Md. Nahid Islam, Advisor for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology and Broadcasting, announced that the Cybersecurity Act will be repealed within the coming week. He also confirmed that all cases filed under this law would be dismissed. The Advisor emphasized that, beyond repealing this law, the government is reviewing all legislation that may impede freedom of expression, with reforms to be made in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
The announcement came on Monday (November 4) during a meeting with Norwegian Ambassador Håkon Harald Gulbrandsen at the Advisor’s office in the ICT Division in Dhaka. In response to the Ambassador’s inquiry about the Cybersecurity Act, Nahid Islam disclosed the government’s intention to abolish the law and address similar regulatory issues.
Nahid Islam remarked, “We have reclaimed a new Bangladesh through a popular uprising. Over the last 16 years, the former regime committed numerous irregularities and acts of corruption. The interim government is now working to rebuild the nation, so our country and people can recover from these harms.”
The Advisor also sought Norway’s support and expertise in rebuilding efforts, while expressing hopes to strengthen ties with Norway as a development partner, particularly in the fields of technology and media investment.
Ambassador Håkon Harald Gulbrandsen responded that Norway stands ready to support the interim government in rebuilding a new Bangladesh.
The meeting concluded with discussions on mutual interests. Also present were Dr. Md. Mushfiqur Rahman, Secretary of the Department of Posts and Telecommunications; Shish Haider Chowdhury, Secretary of the ICT Division; and Marian Rabe Navelsurd, Norway’s Deputy Head of Mission.
