Zara Rahman
joined 24 November 2015 · 17 posts
Zara is a feminist, writer and information activist, living in Berlin, Germany.
@zararah
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Latest posts by Zara Rahman
Bangladesh's upcoming Data Protection Act may suppress, not protect, citizens rights
South Asia 23 October 2021
Analysts fear that a proposed data protection act in Bangladesh contains some loopholes including the indemnification of government agencies, which could be weaponized like the existing controversial Digital Security Act 2018.
Bangladesh cuts access to mobile phone services for the Rohingya
South Asia 3 September 2019
The Bangladeshi government has ordered telecommunications companies to block cell phone access at Rohingya camps, on the pretext of protecting 'national security.'
Free speech advocates say Bangladesh's new Digital Security Act is 'ripe for abuse'
South Asia 28 September 2018
"Journalism is surely not for increasing conflict, or for tarnishing the image of the country," said PM Hasina, in response to critics.
Bangladesh blasts off with their first ever satellite launch into space
South Asia 13 May 2018
"Successful deployment of SpaceX's Falcon 9 Block 5 launch of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 to geostationary transfer orbit confirmed. Maybe this is how a country changes. So proud."
After 113 Days Behind Bars, #Istanbul10 Human Rights Defenders Are Released Pending Trial
Middle East & North Africa 26 October 2017
"I don't have anything to regret. I just did my work as a human rights defender," Idil Eser told the court.
#Istanbul10 Human Rights Defenders Have Been Behind Bars for 100 Days
"Gharavi and Steudtner were arrested doing their jobs, imparting knowledge and skills that are essential to the exercise of human rights in the digital age."
Behind Bars for 30 Days: EU Leaders Condemn Turkey's Detention of #Istanbul10
Middle East & North Africa 5 August 2017
The European Commission called for the "immediate release" of the group, calling the detentions part of a "deeply worrying pattern" of imprisonment in Turkey.
Human Rights Defenders Are Still Behind Bars in Turkey
Middle East & North Africa 12 July 2017
In a tweet on behalf of their staff, Amnesty International recalled their efforts to protect (Turkish President) Erdogan when he was arrested in 1998 during a stint as Istanbul's mayor.
In Addition to Innovation, Journalism Needs Trusted Communities
Ideas 19 December 2016
A friend donates part of a grant to Global Voices, because "infrastructure, communities and trust take a long time to build—and without support, those gains can all too quickly disappear."
Bangladesh Introduces 'Smart' National Identity Cards
South Asia 7 October 2016
Collecting massive amounts of personal and biometric data opens up thorny issues around security and surveillance. As the database is built up, who will gain access to it?
There's Finally a Programming Language in Bengali Script, Thanks to 'Potaka'
South Asia 30 August 2016
"We have been looking forward to a coding language in Bengali for a long time. Why should our higher learning and computer learning be in a foreign language?"
Bangladesh Shuts Down the Internet, Then Orders Blocking of 35 News Websites
Bangladesh 4 August 2016
"As part of the ongoing exercise, all sorts of Internet connections will be suspended for a short period anytime at any place in the country."
Brexit: Heartbroken, But Not Broken
Western Europe 24 June 2016
"Ignoring what's been going on in our country's politics is what got us here today. We were too uninvolved in decisions that have made a huge impact on our lives."
Being Intentional About What's in Our Networks
Citizen Media 7 March 2016
"But here's the thing: I'm okay with disagreeing with things I see online. More than that even; I want to see things I disagree with online."
Bangladesh Will Demand Biometric Data From All SIM Card Users
South Asia 22 December 2015
The scheme will create a massive database of citizens' communications data that could give the government unprecedented access to the mobile communications of Bangladeshi citizens.
Bangladesh Keeps Blocking Social Media, Threatens New Surveillance Tactics
South Asia 30 November 2015
With the lack of accountability shown by the government, a move towards more stringent controls of the Internet is worrying for the state of free expression in the country.
With Messaging Apps Still Banned, Bangladeshis Turn to Tor (and Twitter)
It is not clear whether the government has blocked the Facebook portal or banned the use of Facebook altogether.