Speakers demand recognising internet as fundamental right in Bangladesh
ICT Desk
Speakers at a seminar in the capital advocated for recognising the internet as a fundamental right and ensuring data protection in the Constitution of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers Association organised the seminar at the Dhaka Reporters' Unity on Wednesday.
Former BASIS president Fahim Mashrur said Bangladesh's reliance on the internet has grown exponentially. “The internet is not just an ordinary service; it is now part of basic human rights. It is essential to recognise this in our constitution.”
He also said everything from financial transactions to governmental tasks now happens online, making uninterrupted internet access crucial.
Political analyst Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad said the widespread impact of internet disruptions was seen in July student-led uprising when mobile internet was shut for 13 days, broadband for 8 days, and social media for 15 days.
“The movement spread across the nation because people recognised the importance of unrestricted internet access,” Fuad said.
President of IIAB, Aminul Hakim said the importance of protecting citizens' data online.
“We must ensure that our data is secure on the internet. The government must take initiative and implement measures to protect personal information,” he said.
Moheeduddin Ahmed, president of the Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers Association, said,
“To safeguard citizens’ data, we must clearly include digital protections in the Constitution.”
Technology analyst Tanveer Hasan Joha, telecommunications expert Mustafa Mahmood Hussai Kayyum, spoke, among others, spoke.
