TIB Warns of Cyber Law Risks

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has warned that the draft Cyber Security (Amendment) Act, 2026 poses significant risks to dissent, freedom of expression and freedom of speech. The organisation has urged the government to substantially revise the draft based on stakeholder input, expert opinion and international best practices.

On Thursday, September 11, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the draft brings cybercrime, cybersecurity and freedom of expression under the same law. According to him, this approach may fail to properly address any of the three areas while creating opportunities for misinterpretation and misuse of the law, increasing the risk of human rights violations.

TIB said the draft contains unclear definitions of issues including rumours, misinformation, defamation or humiliation, and insulting the state. The organisation warned that such provisions could be selectively misused.

It also described the definitions of sexual harassment and sextortion as unprofessional and incomplete. According to TIB, such weaknesses could obscure genuine crimes while also creating risks for both accused persons and complainants.

TIB also criticised the proposal under Section 46(2) to make offences covered by Section 23 non-bailable. These provisions concern threats related to national integrity, security and defence, friendly relations with foreign states, and benefits obtained from foreign states, individuals or groups.

The organisation said the absence of clear definitions and adequate safeguards in these areas could create opportunities to misuse the provisions against dissent and freedom of expression.

TIB also raised concerns about the proposed 28-member National Cyber Security Council. According to the organisation, only two experts representing the private sector and human rights are proposed for the council, and both would be nominated by the government. TIB believes this could leave the council under government control.

It has therefore called for an independent and impartial expert council outside government control. TIB has also demanded that the power to formulate rules be given to the independent council instead of the government.

The organisation further opposed the proposed broad immunity from criminal and civil proceedings for council members and authorised officials when acting in ‘good faith’.

TIB warned that approving the draft without necessary reforms could turn cyberspace into an environment of surveillance, lack of accountability and repression. It said there is also a risk that discretionary government control over access, suppression of dissent and human rights violations could become normalised.

TIB also recalled that the ruling BNP had pledged in its election manifesto to ensure cybersecurity for all citizens. In light of that commitment, the organisation called for necessary revisions, additions and deletions to the draft based on stakeholder and expert opinions and international best practices.
//DBTech/TIB/SME/MIST//