Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan orders review of international legal frameworks and calls for recommendations on updating existing laws and introducing new legislation.
Govt Moves to Modernise Information and Broadcasting Laws for the Digital Era
The government has initiated a comprehensive review of laws, rules and regulations under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to align them with the rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has directed officials to examine international legal frameworks and prepare recommendations for modernising existing legislation and introducing new laws where necessary.
The government has launched an initiative to modernise the existing legal framework governing the information and broadcasting sector in response to the rapid expansion of digital technologies and online communication platforms.
Speaking at a meeting on legal reforms and new legislation held at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Sunday (July 5), Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said the ministry has already begun reviewing all existing laws, regulations, rules and statutory provisions under its jurisdiction.
He said digital technologies have fundamentally transformed the way people communicate, consume information and interact socially. While technological advancement has created enormous opportunities, it has also introduced new risks and regulatory challenges that require an effective legal framework.
According to the minister, the ongoing review will identify outdated provisions, legal gaps and areas where new legislation is necessary to address emerging challenges.
Swapan noted that the ministry's traditional focus was primarily on print and broadcast media. However, the rapid growth of digital platforms and the broader digital ecosystem has created numerous communication channels that are not adequately covered by existing legislation.
He stressed that Bangladesh's legal framework must evolve alongside these technological developments.
The minister also said the committee has been instructed to study digital regulatory frameworks adopted by the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States to identify international best practices that can be adapted to Bangladesh's context.
He emphasised that regulating cyberspace, digital transmission and technology-driven services will require coordinated efforts involving government agencies, technology experts, telecommunications stakeholders and other relevant institutions.
Swapan further instructed officials to identify emerging regulatory challenges, define stakeholder responsibilities and, where necessary, seek expert opinions beyond the committee to develop a modern and effective legal framework.
The meeting was attended by Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farzana, Additional Secretary Shah Alam, members of the ministry's legal panel and other senior officials.
//DBTech/IHI/MI//
