Cyber Protection Ordinance 2025 Updated: Controversial Clauses Scrapped, New Protections Introduced

More than a dozen new definitions have been added, and four offenses made non-bailable, as the Cyber Protection Ordinance 2025 undergoes significant updates. Nine controversial provisions have been repealed, while public objections have led to the exclusion of bullying from the law. Additionally, the ordinance now includes provisions to ensure transparency and accountability for the government. Section 25(3) has been amended to make cybercrimes against women and children punishable.

ICT Advisor Shish Haider Chowdhury announced these updates during a press conference held at the ICT Division’s Secretary Conference Room on Wednesday. He stated that the ordinance was finalized following suggestions from civil society organizations, including Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).

To promote transparency, public feedback on the updated ordinance will be accepted until February 6 via emails to [email protected] and [email protected].

Addressing the press, ICT Secretary Shish Haider said, “If there are still any complaints, they can be submitted for further amendment and refinement before the law is passed. Care has been taken to ensure the ordinance is not draconian and supports a well-regulated cyberspace.” He also emphasized that the ordinance could undergo regular updates as part of a reformative mindset. The ordinance excludes elements already addressed in the Penal Code.

In response to questions, the Secretary highlighted that the National Cybersecurity Agency (NCSA) would become more effective after the implementation of the ordinance, expanding its scope beyond the ongoing work under the BGD e-GOV CIRT project.

The press conference was attended by ICT Advisor Faiz Ahmed Tayyeb and Additional Secretary Kamrun Nahar Siddika.

Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb noted, “The ordinance ensures accountability and safeguards against misuse in the future by any oppressive regime. Measures have been taken to ensure it is not punitive but protective, covering continuous internet connectivity, national cybersecurity formation, individual rights, and future scenarios.”

He also mentioned that all professionals in Bangladesh would be protected under this law, with contentious terminologies carefully redefined.

The repeal of nine controversial clauses includes:

• Clause 20, related to altering computer source codes.
• Clause 21, penalizing propaganda against the Liberation War, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the national anthem, or the national flag.
• Clause 24, concerning identity impersonation.
• Clause 25, penalizing the transmission or publication of offensive, false, or threatening information.
• Clause 26, related to collecting and using personal information without consent.
• Clause 29, regarding defamatory information dissemination.
• Clause 31, on activities disrupting law and order.
• Clause 32, penalizing hacking-related crimes.
• Clause 55, concerning the Director General’s power delegation.

Notably, Faiz Ahmad highlighted that BCC would have its own CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team), while NCSA would focus on open-source and proprietary software solutions to ensure security.