The United States' Department of State has expressed concerns over the Bangladesh government's use of the Digital Security Act (DSA).

Freedom of expression is an essential element of democracy and is especially important in an election year, said Vedant Patel, principal deputy spokesperson of United States during the Department's press briefing on Thursday.

He said: "We remain deeply concerned about the (Bangladesh) government's use of the Digital Security Act. And freedom of expression, including for members of the press, is an essential element of democracy and is especially important in an election year. No members of the press should be threatened, harassed, physically attacked, or arrested for simply doing their job." 

This was posted on the verified Facebook page of the US Embassy in Dhaka today.

Vedant Patel was replying to a question about the recent arrest of Prothom Alo journalist Samsuzzaman Shams and subsequent incident of filing DSA cases against him and Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman and recent attack on brother of a journalist working for Al Jazeera. 

Police arrested Shams from Savar on the outskirts of the capital early on March 29 following a news report published in the daily that allegedly tarnished the image of the government.

Later on March 30, Shams was produced before a Dhaka court that sent him to jail in the DSA case filed with Ramna Police Station.

BDST: 1506 HRS, APR 01, 2023
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