FT ONLINE

Amid widespread criticism and concerns over free speech, President Abdul Hamid has signed the Digital Security Bill; thereby enacting it as a law.

His Press Secretary Joynal Abedin has confirmed the assent of the president this afternoon.

Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury on Tuesday signed the Bill recently passed by parliament.

And with the president’s assent, the bill is now a law.

Journalists and rights activists have expressed concerns about the new law, saying it was passed without addressing their concerns. They have been termed it as a threat to freedom of speech and expression and the freedom of press as well.

A number of local and international organisation working for freedom of the press and good governance have urged the president not to assent to the Digital Security Bill and requested him to return to the House.