Zara is a feminist, writer and information activist, living in Berlin, Germany.
Latest posts by Zara Rahman
Bangladesh’s upcoming Data Protection Act may suppress, not protect, citizens rights
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
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’
"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
"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
“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
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
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
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
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’
"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
“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
"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
"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
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
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.
