Bangladesh’s Digital Security Act (DSA) was introduced in 2018 to combat cybercrime, but by 2025, it has become one of the most controversial laws in the country. Critics argue it is being abused to suppress journalists, activists, and opposition voices, turning Bangladesh into a digital authoritarian state.
This in-depth report examines:
- Key DSA controversies in 2025
- How the government uses the law to crush dissent
- International condemnation and legal challenges
- The future of free speech in Bangladesh
1. What is the Digital Security Act (DSA)?
The DSA (2018) replaced the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Act, introducing harsher penalties for:
✔ Spreading “propaganda” against the state (Section 25)
✔ Hurting religious sentiments (Section 28)
✔ Defamation (Section 29)
✔ Unauthorized data collection (Section 26)
1.1 Why is the DSA Controversial?
- Vague wording – Allows arbitrary arrests
- Non-bailable offenses – Detention without bail for months
- Used against journalists, activists, and critics
2. Major DSA Controversies in 2025
2.1 Record Number of Arrests
- 5,000+ cases filed since 2018
- 1,200+ arrests in 2025 alone (70% journalists, activists, opposition supporters)
2.2 High-Profile Cases That Shocked the Nation
| Case | Victim | Charge | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Anti-State Post” | Journalist Rozina Islam | Section 25 (Propaganda) | 6 months jail, released on bail |
| “Satirical Cartoon” | Student activist Adnan Chowdhury | Section 28 (Religious Sentiments) | Still in custody |
| “Bank Scam Exposé” | Economist Dr. Reza Kibria | Section 29 (Defamation) | Case ongoing |
2.3 Government’s Justification
- “Needed to stop fake news” – Home Minister
- “Protecting national security” – Law Minister
- “No one arrested without evidence” – Police Chief
2.4 Public Backlash & Protests
- #RepealDSA trends on social media (before censorship)
- University students protest – 50+ arrested under DSA
- Journalist unions demand amendments
3. How the DSA Crushes Free Speech
3.1 Targeting Journalists & Whistleblowers
- Investigative reporters jailed for exposing corruption
- Media self-censorship – Fear of DSA cases
3.2 Silencing Political Opposition
- BNP, Jamaat leaders charged for “anti-state” posts
- Social media bans on critics
3.3 Abuse Against Ordinary Citizens
- Farmers arrested for complaining about crop prices
- Teenagers jailed for “offensive” memes
4. International Condemnation & Legal Challenges
4.1 Global Outcry
✔ UN Human Rights Council – Calls DSA “draconian”
✔ US State Department – Sanctions officials over abuses
✔ Reporters Without Borders – Ranks Bangladesh 162/180 in Press Freedom
4.2 Legal Battles in Bangladesh
- Supreme Court petitions challenging DSA’s constitutionality
- High Court stays some arrests, but most cases proceed
4.3 Government’s Response to Criticism
- “Foreign interference” narrative
- Fake “cybercrime crackdown” shows for PR
5. Can the DSA Be Reformed or Repealed?
5.1 Government’s “Cosmetic Changes”
- Minor amendments in 2024 (no real impact)
- No removal of repressive sections
5.2 Opposition & Civil Society Demands
✔ Full repeal of DSA
✔ New law protecting free speech
✔ Release of all political prisoners
5.3 Will Protests Force Change?
- Crackdowns deter mass movements
- But anger growing – could explode in economic crisis
Conclusion: A Dark Future for Digital Rights?
Bangladesh’s DSA has become a tool of oppression, not security. Unless repealed:
✔ Journalism will die
✔ Opposition will vanish
✔ Citizens will live in fear
The world is watching – will Bangladesh choose tyranny or freedom?
FAQ: Bangladesh’s Digital Security Act (2025)
1. How many people are jailed under DSA?
- 1,200+ in 2025, mostly journalists & activists.
2. Can you go to jail for a Facebook post?
- YES – Hundreds arrested for “anti-state” posts.
3. Is the DSA worse than China’s censorship?
- Similar tactics, but Bangladesh denies it.
4. Has anyone won a DSA case?
- Few – Most cases drag for years, ruining lives.
5. What can Bangladeshis do?
- Demand repeal
- Support free media
- Expose abuses globally
6. Will the UN stop Bangladesh?
- Unlikely – China/Russia block action.