Revised Draft Cyber Security Act to Be Published Online

The government will publish a copy of the Cyber Security Act on its website prior to finalization, prioritizing journalists' feedback while excluding mobile court provisions. Simultaneously, a meeting with development partners regarding the law will be convened shortly.

The decision was made during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee formed to review and finalize the draft, held at the conference room of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology at the Secretariat on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Presided over by Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Fakir Mahbub Anam, the meeting was attended by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obayeed Islam. However, Information Minister Andaleeve Rahman Partha, State Minister for Information Yasir Khan Chowdhury, and Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman were unable to attend due to official engagements.

According to meeting sources, a decision was reached to refine the draft Cyber Security (Amendment) Act 2026 by according highest priority to feedback from journalists and media representatives. Special emphasis was placed during the meeting to ensure that the law cannot be used under any circumstances as a tool of harassment against journalists, news media, or independent journalism. To this end, detailed discussions were held regarding opinions from various stakeholders, recommendations from journalists, and observations from relevant ministries and agencies. A presentation was also delivered by the National Cyber Security Agency during the session.

In the presence of senior officials from relevant ministries and departments, discussions were held on expanding the definition of cyberspace to include software, programs, and various applications alongside websites under the purview of the law. To protect journalists and media, discussions took place and consensus was reached on incorporating provisions requiring prior approval from a competent court before arresting any journalist, media owner, or responsible individual over published or broadcast news. Emphasis was also placed on following due legal process and preventing harassment when taking action against journalists.

Proposals to restructure relevant sections of the law by separately considering defamation, vilification, and cyberbullying were discussed. Maintaining consistency with the Penal Code regarding the definition and punishment for defamation also received importance. Furthermore, opinions were provided on making definitions of rumors and misinformation clearer and more specific to prevent vague or overbroad definitions from undermining press freedom. Discussions also covered excluding mobile court provisions, informing concerned individuals or institutions of reasons when removing or blocking content, and setting time limits for settling applications to unblock content. A proposal to provide written notice and an opportunity for self-defense before taking action against any media outlet or institution was also deliberated.

The meeting discussed the membership structure of the Cyber Security Council, media representation, and consultations with international stakeholders. Emphasis was placed on coordinating discussions between relevant ministries, development partners including the United Nations, and international tech platforms like Meta. It was discussed that the revised draft law will be further refined based on stakeholder feedback and published on the website, emphasizing that receiving public feedback will render the draft more acceptable, effective, and timely.

Speakers at the meeting stated that the Cyber Security Act must be framed while striking a balance between preventing cybercrimes and protecting citizens' rights, freedom of expression, and press freedom. Efforts to finalize the draft by taking into account constructive feedback from all relevant stakeholders will continue toward this goal.

//DBTech/IH/SME/MIST//