The Telecom and Technology Reporters Network (TRNB), a media organization representing technology journalists, has recommended the complete repeal of Section 42 of the Cyber Security Act 2023, along with calls for clearer definitions in Sections 21, 25, 28, 29, and 32. Meanwhile, technology experts have demanded a complete overhaul, advocating for a new law instead of amending the existing one. They have emphasized the need for local ownership and control over systems and platforms like cloud systems, data management, data transmission, and data operations.
This demand was raised during a roundtable discussion on cyber security held on Tuesday at the BRAC Centre in Dhaka. During the discussion, TRNB’s former president, Rashed Mehedi, referred to Facebook as the “surveillance tool of the USA,” stating, “It should not be seen merely as a private company but as a surveillance instrument of the United States.”
The roundtable, moderated by TRNB President Samir Kumar Dey, featured ICT Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury and Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Major General Md. Emdad Ul Bari as chief speakers.
Technology analyst Suman Ahmed Sabir argued that the existing cyber security law is ineffective in combating cross-border crimes and that it has been used to stifle freedom of speech. Syed Almas Kabir, former president of the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS), emphasized the need to foster awareness among the public about constructive criticism, starting from schools. He added that self-censorship is vital in balancing freedom of expression.
Shahedul Alam, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Officer, pointed out that the objective of the Cyber Security Act was to legalize the National Telecommunications Monitoring Centre’s (NTMC) power to block certain content. He argued that simply renaming the Digital Security Act as the Cyber Security Act would not solve the underlying problems and called for the law’s complete repeal and reconstruction.
In addition, Mohammad Zulfikar, Secretary General of the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB), urged lawmakers to focus more on clear and specific subclauses, rather than placing undue emphasis on criminal offenses, while allowing provisions for rectification. He also stressed the importance of training judges to detect cybercrimes effectively.
Kaiser Hamid, Managing Director of BD Finance, highlighted the high risk faced by the financial sector, stating that the sector experiences 630 cyberattacks every day. He recommended that financial institutions improve their infrastructure, establish a Security Operations Center (SOC), and develop a managed framework under the guidance of the Bangladesh Bank. He also emphasized the need for a data protection law to regulate how data is stored within the country.
Harvard alumnus Nabil B. Arif suggested that the focus of the Cyber Security Act should be on protection, not punishment. He lamented recent incidents where individuals faced consequences for criticism on social media, stating that the law should prioritize security while ensuring people are not intimidated. He also highlighted the need for judicial oversight and proper language in the law to ensure clarity and fairness.
Wize R. Hossain, co-founder of Anwar Technology and a young entrepreneur, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the youth under the new law. He highlighted concerns related to freedom of expression, online harassment, and cyberbullying, stressing that the law should protect not only young people but also businesses and citizens.
The participants concluded that a more inclusive approach, engaging students, teachers, business communities, and the general public, is necessary to develop a law that ensures freedom of expression while addressing cyber security challenges.
