Dhaka – Bangladesh on Monday approved draft of digital security law proposing tougher punishment for propaganda against the country’s settled history of independence and the 1971 war of liberation from Pakistan.

The cabinet headed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave the go ahead to the draft legislation at a meeting.

According to the draft law a person will face life in prison and financial penalty of Tk 1 crore in case he or she launches campaign against War of Liberation, the independence architect Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman through electronic media.

Those who patronise such propaganda will also face the similar punishment, Mohammad Shafiul Alam, cabinet secretary, told reporters after the meeting

The draft of the law styled ‘Digital Security Law, 2016’ will be placed in parliament for its enactment to check the growing cyber crimes.

“As per the proposed law, if anybody conducts propaganda against the War of Liberation and its spirit, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman or the Liberation War issues, resolved by the court, through electronic medium, he or she will suffer maximum life-term and the minimum three-year imprisonment and the highest Taka one crore fine or both the punishment,” the official said.

If anyone carries out any attack or hacks important information infrastructure like Biman Cyber Management, he or she will serve maximum 14-year and minimum two-year jail term.

Such attackers may also be awarded with Taka 1 crore fine or both.

newsnextbd.com/n