Civil society organisations raise concerns over Bangladesh’s proposed cyber law amendments

A group of civil society organisations, human rights defenders, media practitioners and digital rights advocates has raised concerns over proposed amendments to Bangladesh’s Cyber Protection Act 2026. In a joint statement issued on 17 September, the signatories called for the current draft to be withdrawn and revised following a meaningful consultation process.

The organisations said the amendments were developed without meaningful public consultation, arguing that civil society, media practitioners, technologists and the wider public had not had a genuine opportunity to review the draft or provide input before it progressed through the policymaking process.

The statement focuses in particular on provisions concerning online expression. The proposed amendments would broaden the definition of defamation and introduce offences relating to ‘maligning’, ‘rumour’ and ‘disinformation’. The signatories argue that these provisions use broad and imprecise definitions that could leave considerable scope for subjective interpretation and inconsistent enforcement.

They also point to the absence of what they consider adequate safeguards for freedom of expression, media freedom and public-interest reporting. The draft would criminalise certain online expression and allow pre-trial detention, with penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and BDT 4 million. The organisations argue that the proposed framework does not establish sufficiently narrow thresholds, requirements to demonstrate concrete harm or adequate procedural safeguards.

The statement also questions the role of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in the amendment process. According to the signatories, this represents a departure from previous practice, under which cyber legislation generally fell within the remit of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology. They said the basis and scope of the ministry’s role remain unclear.

Several proposed institutional and procedural changes have also drawn criticism. The organisations point to provisions that would make certain offences prosecutable under the Mobile Courts Act 2009, arguing that this could weaken due-process and fair-trial guarantees in cases involving contested speech and serious criminal penalties.

The statement further raises concerns about changes to the National Cyber Protection Council. The amendments would add more state officials to the council while removing representation from the National Human Rights Commission, which the signatories argue could increase executive influence without corresponding institutional safeguards.

Changes to government powers over online content are another area of concern. The proposed revisions to Section 8 would expand the ability of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and other executive agencies to seek removal of online content on broader grounds. The organisations argue that the draft does not provide clear procedural standards, notice to affected users, independent scrutiny or effective avenues of appeal.

The signatories include Tech Global Institute, Transparency International Bangladesh and the Cyber Support for Women and Children Platform, which comprises 17 organisations, including Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust, Ain o Shalish Kendro, Article 19, Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum, BRAC and other civil society organisations.

The organisations are calling for the current draft to be withdrawn and for a time-bound consultation involving civil society, media practitioners, legal experts, technologists and other relevant stakeholders. They also call for a revised law that addresses broader concerns in cyberspace, empowers citizens and is aligned with Bangladesh’s international human rights obligations.