Some DSA provisions may go beyond its purpose of fighting digital crime: EU 

The European Union (EU) has said several provisions of the Digital Security Act could go beyond its purpose of combating digital crime in Bangladesh.

"The EU raised the issue of the Digital Security Act (DSA), expressing concerns that some of its provisions risk going beyond the stated purpose of fighting digital crime and also inquired about certain ongoing trials in this context," the EU and Bangladesh said in a joint press statement.

"Democracy and human rights are shared values between Bangladesh and the EU."

Both sides agreed on the need for strengthening democratic governance in post-Covid recovery and condemned communal or sectarian violence and discrimination in any form or manifestation, anywhere, read the statement.

The EU invited Bangladesh to consider a Green Partnership with the EU, which both sides will discuss in detail at the climate dialogue in Dhaka in early 2022.

The EU commended Bangladesh's leadership in the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) and in the V20 Climate Vulnerable Finance Summit.

"Bangladesh commended the EU's commitments towards climate action and the EU provided further information regarding its proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism," read the statement.

Cooperation under the Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP) of the EU was discussed with a view to enhancing cooperation, particularly in the areas of strengthening health systems and green inclusive development.

The EU presented its new strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. "Both sides discussed the political and security situation in the region, including Myanmar and Afghanistan, maritime security, as well as counter-terrorism and cooperation within the UN" added the press statement.

Both sides agreed to work on this common agenda with a view to reaching concrete progress and deliverables, which will be reviewed in the course of the next consultations, to be held in Dhaka in 2023.

The EU delegation was led by the European External Action Service Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific Gunnar Wiegand, and the Bangladesh delegation was led by Senior Foreign Secretary Ambassador Masud Bin Momen.

The EU and Bangladesh agreed to launch the first political dialogue next year for providing strategic guidance and intensifying foreign and security policy cooperation. This was agreed between the two sides in a bid to elevate the partnership on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2022, read a press release issued by the foreign ministry.

A decision in this regard was reached when the foreign secretary met Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service (EEAS) Enrique Mora in Brussels on Tuesday.