TIB Criticizes Cybersecurity Ordinance 2024 as a “Deceptive Attempt”
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed concerns over the proposed Cybersecurity Ordinance 2024, describing it as a “deceptive attempt” to mislead and undermine public interest. Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of TIB, criticized the ordinance for creating a “confusing legal framework” by combining multiple sectors, including computers, cyber, digital, and internet-related areas, into one law.
TIB argued that the ordinance should not be approved by the Advisory Council without a complete overhaul. The organization stated that the ordinance risks becoming a tool to suppress freedom of expression, press freedom, and free speech.
The remarks were made at a press conference titled “Proposed Cybersecurity Ordinance 2024: Review and Recommendations,” held at the MIDAS Center in Dhaka on Tuesday, December 31. The keynote presentation was delivered by Professor Irshadul Karim, with TIB advisors Dr. Sumaiya Khair and Outreach and Communication Director Muhammad Tauhidul Islam also in attendance.
Joining the event virtually, Associate Professor Muhammad Ershadul Karim from the University of Malaya’s Law and Emerging Technologies Department in Malaysia shared his review and recommendations regarding the ordinance. He stated, “Through media reports, we have learned that the Cybersecurity Ordinance 2024 has already been approved by the Advisory Council. We are deeply disappointed and concerned to note that several provisions have been included in the approved ordinance that were absent from the earlier draft shared for public opinion. This is contrary to standard legislative practices and can be considered an attempt to deceive and mislead the public.”
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman raised objections to the process, criticizing the haste with which the ordinance was drafted and approved. “We do not expect such actions from an interim government. Why wasn’t the Law Commission involved in this process?” he questioned.
Regarding the ordinance itself, he said, “We are deeply concerned about its implications. This is a poorly structured law that repeats many elements of the Digital Security Act and Cybersecurity Act. It lacks any rights-based provisions. Instead, it seems to focus on controlling freedom of expression and curbing free speech. This will not reflect public interest but rather diminish civil liberties.”
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman further added that while the decision to repeal the repressive Digital Security Act brought relief to citizens, the approved draft of the Cybersecurity Ordinance still contains provisions that could curtail freedom of expression.
He warned, “Like the previous Digital Security Act and Cybersecurity Act, this ordinance retains the potential to restrict citizens’ freedom of speech and expression. Issuing such an ordinance without inclusive review and sufficient analysis from stakeholders poses risks to its intended purpose.”
Earlier, on December 17, TIB had issued a statement urging at least one month for inclusive stakeholder review and analysis of the draft ordinance before its enactment.
