DHAKA: The High Court Monday issued a rule asking the government to explain within four weeks why sections 46 and 57 of the Information Technology Act “should not be declared illegal”, as the tough legal provisions recently rocked the information superhighway.  

An HC bench comprising Justice Iman Ali and Justice Mohammad Obaidul Hasan issued the rule following a writ petition filed by Arafat Hossain Khan, Ataul Al Osman and Rokeya Chowdhury on June 6 challenging the legality of the two sections of the IT law that vests sweeping powers in the telecom authorities.

As per section 46 of the Act, Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC) can shut down anything that contains threat to the security of the state.

And section 57 authorizes the watchdog to close down any website or electronic media if any “vulgar or libelous” matters are published or broadcast.

The government authorities had recently closed down Facebook website, which was later restored. A few TV channels and private land-phone facilities using clandestine VoIP also faced the music.        

Barrister Sara Hossain stood for the petitioners.

BDST: 1541 HRS. JULY 26, 2010