Interim Government Decides to Repeal Cyber Security Act
In a landmark decision, the interim government, under the leadership of Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has reached a policy agreement to repeal the Cyber Security Act 2023. This decision, announced just three days after ICT, Telecommunications, and Broadcasting Advisor Nahid Islam suggested the law would be abolished within a week, was confirmed during an advisory council meeting held at Dr. Yunus's office in Tejgaon.
Following the meeting, Environmental, Forests, and Climate Change Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan informed the media of the decision. According to a cabinet press release, the ordinance to repeal the Cyber Security Act of 2024 will be presented again to the advisory council after legislative vetting by the Ministry of Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs.
The repeal decision follows longstanding criticisms from journalists and various professional groups, who claimed the law was used to harass individuals. Previously, Legal Advisor Asif Nazrul advocated for the act’s abolition, emphasizing the need for a new framework focused on citizen protection in cyberspace. The proposed new legislation will be drafted with technical and secretarial support from the ICT division and presented to the council for approval.
The Cyber Security Act was introduced after the Digital Security Act, initially enacted under the ousted government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was repealed amid public protests. The repeal decision by the interim government marks a significant shift, aiming to establish a more protective and balanced approach to cybersecurity.
