Data Protection Act: Don’t make sweeping remarks

In response to the remark made by US Ambassador in Bangladesh Peter Haas about the proposed Data Protection Act, Law Minister Anisul Huq yesterday requested all not to make any sweeping comments about it.

“This law is needed for every country,” said the minister, claiming that Haas also said this.

“Further discussions will take place on the draft with the stakeholders. This law is for protecting data, not for controlling it.

“As there is scope for discussion, I will request all not to make such sweeping remarks on it [draft]. If there is any ambiguity in the draft, we are willing to review. I hope that everybody will refrain from making such comments,” he said.

The minister was talking to reporters after attending the inauguration of the 11th orientation course for the promoted additional district and sessions judges at the Judicial Administration Training Institute.

Anisul said Bangladesh is a democratic country where everybody has the right to express opinions. “We hear their opinions. We will follow all the procedures to formulate the law.”

Speaking at a function in Dhaka on Sunday, the US envoy reportedly said they hear apprehension from businesses that the proposed new laws and regulations in the digital space will make it more difficult for them to do business.

“We worry the Data Protection Act, if passed with strict data localisation requirements, may force some US companies currently operating in Bangladesh to leave the market.”

Haas said the latest draft of the act does not provide for an independent data oversight authority and that it includes criminal penalties.

“While each country must design laws that apply in its local context, there are clear international standards we urge all countries, including Bangladesh, to uphold,” he added.