Desk Report:
While the expansion of digital technology has simplified people’s lives, cybercrime is simultaneously assuming alarming proportions. Crimes such as the spread of rumors and misinformation, defamation, character assassination, blackmail, cyberbullying, sexual harassment, and extortion—facilitated by social media—have now become major threats extending from the individual to society and the state. Against this backdrop, the BNP government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has initiated moves to amend the ‘Cyber Security Act’ to prevent cybercrime. This initiative to control cybercrime and ensure a safe digital environment for citizens reflects the government’s goodwill and sincerity.
A draft bill aimed at amending the Cyber Security Act was previously presented to the Cabinet. The Cabinet directed that extensive discussions and consultations be held with IT experts working in the cyberspace sector and all relevant stakeholders. Accordingly, the draft bill was published on the website to solicit opinions from people across various strata of society. Various institutions, human rights organizations, students, and cyberspace users have already submitted their views, and the government has compiled this feedback.
This initiative to gather opinions from the general public and stakeholders prior to enacting the law is undoubtedly an example of the government’s respect for public opinion and its commitment to democratic values. The consultation process reflects the fact that the BNP government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, does not intend to impose the law merely as an administrative decision; rather, it seeks to formulate an effective and pragmatic law by incorporating the views of those concerned.
Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Asaduzzaman stated that the Cyber Security Act would be amended only after consulting with stakeholders. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed also affirmed that the Cyber Security Act would not be allowed to become oppressive in any way. In other words, while the government intends to take stern action against cybercriminals, it is simultaneously mindful of the public’s right to freedom of expression and media freedom.
The draft law stipulates that if law enforcement agencies, ministries, or other bodies—upon analyzing data—have reason to believe that information published or disseminated via cyberspace, digital, or electronic media undermines (or threatens to undermine) the country’s integrity, security, defense, or public order, then necessary measures may be taken.
Similarly, provisions have been proposed to remove or block data that incites—or risks inciting—religious or communal hatred or ethnic violence; encourages or directs disorder or criminal activities; or is defamatory to individuals or institutions, or derogatory towards the state.
The draft also proposes the formation of a Cyber Protection Council led by the Prime Minister. In addition to five government ministers, the council would include government officials from various levels, as well as two government-nominated experts from the private sector.
The evolving nature of cybercrime has also been prioritized in the proposed legislation. Provisions for imprisonment and fines have been suggested for offenses such as sexual harassment, blackmailing, the publication of obscene content, defamation, and disparagement. Using manipulated information or content generated by artificial intelligence (AI) to disparage or defame someone would also be considered a criminal offense.
Furthermore, the proposal seeks to penalize various forms of digital content—including data, audio, video, graphics, and still images—associated with offenses such as sexual harassment, revenge porn, digital child abuse, sextortion, defamation, disparagement, or bullying.
Initiatives have been taken to make the law more effective and stringent by incorporating new sections. Proposals have been made to classify rumors, misinformation, disparagement, and defamatory information as criminal offenses and to prescribe penalties for the accused. The proposed amendment includes the addition of a new Section 26/A. It stipulates that publishing or disseminating rumors or misinformation in the cyber realm will be considered an offense. The proposal suggests penalties for such offenses, including imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years, a fine not exceeding Tk 40 lakh, or both.
The draft also defines “rumor,” describing it as any unconfirmed or unverified information, news, or claim that creates confusion, panic, agitation, or social unrest among the public, or poses a risk of generating such unrest.
Proposals have also been made to introduce new provisions under Section 25 of the amended law regarding offenses related to defamation and disparagement. Publishing or disseminating information, audio, video, audio-visual content, still images, graphics, or AI-generated content with the intent to defame or disparage an individual will be treated as an offense. The proposed penalty for this offense is imprisonment for up to five years, a fine not exceeding Tk 20 lakh, or both.
Stiffer penalties are proposed for disseminating content that defames or disparages a woman or a person under the age of 18. In such cases, the provision entails imprisonment for up to 10 years, a fine not exceeding Tk 40 lakh, or both. The definition of defamation also references Section 499 of the Penal Code.
It can play an effective role in protecting the rights of ordinary citizens who fall victim to cybercrimes. A significant aspect of this initiative—undertaken by the BNP government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman—is viewing cybercrime not merely as a technical issue, but as a major challenge linked to citizen safety, social stability, and national security.
The misuse of social media is no longer just a source of harm to individuals; its impact extends to society and the state as a whole. Instead of serving as platforms for social connection, they are increasingly being used to attack others with vile, vulgar, and insulting language. A certain class of people has adopted character assassination, blackmail, and extortion as a profession. Consequently, segments of social media are becoming breeding grounds for anarchy and instability.
Countries around the world have enacted various laws and regulations to curb the harmful use of social media. The objective of these measures is to ensure citizen safety and prevent digital platforms from being used as tools for crime. In the context of Bangladesh, too, effective legal measures are required, taking into account the nature and scope of cybercrimes.
Although the Cyber Protection Act 2026 was passed during the first session of the National Parliament on April 10, the need to make the law stronger and more effective—in step with changing realities—has become apparent. Specifically, clearer legal provisions are needed to prevent crimes such as cyberbullying, the spread of misinformation on social media, character assassination, online harassment, and cyber extortion.
The reality is that there are allegations of organized rings—operating even from abroad—targeting businesspeople, industrialists, and entrepreneurs via social media. They demand large sums of money; if payment is refused, a campaign of relentless online attacks ensues. Attempts are made to tarnish the victims’ social and business reputations by disseminating false and baseless content, ultimately creating pressure to extort money.
It is alleged that many businesspeople and entrepreneurs are forced to yield to these cyber extortionists in order to safeguard their social standing and business reputations. Those who refuse to yield to such activities also face various forms of social and personal pressure. In this context, ensuring effective legal remedies against cybercrime is crucial.
Many individuals suffer social and psychological harm due to cyberbullying. Online harassment, humiliation, threats, or the exposure of personal information—particularly when directed at women and young people—can devastate their normal lives. The consequences of such harassment can often be dire. Consequently, cyberbullying cannot be dismissed as merely an online prank or a personal dispute.
In the past, terrorists or thugs were often employed to target adversaries. With the expansion of technology, this trend has taken on new forms. Social media is now being used to demean, intimidate, character-assassinate, or socially ostracize individuals. Online harassment has also emerged as a significant issue for women.
Cybercriminals target not only individuals—including women—but also various religious and social communities. Misinformation is frequently spread regarding sensitive subjects, such as minority communities, shrines, and religious institutions. There are even allegations of disinformation campaigns concerning pivotal events in national history, such as the Liberation War. Such activities can fuel fear, resentment, confusion, and mistrust among the public.
However, it is equally important to ensure that measures to prevent cybercrime do not infringe upon freedom of expression. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognizes the right of every individual to hold and express opinions; in other words, people possess a fundamental right regarding their thoughts and speech.
At the same time, Article 19(3) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights stipulates that the exercise of freedom of expression carries with it special duties and responsibilities. Certain restrictions may be imposed by law when necessary to protect the reputation, rights, or safety of others, or to maintain public order and security. In other words, while freedom of expression is important, exercising that freedom should not provide an opportunity to undermine the rights and safety of others.
During World War II, Nazi Germany used orchestrated propaganda to designate a specific group of people as the enemy. That harrowing experience demonstrated to the world the devastating consequences that can arise from the spread of false propaganda and hatred. In today’s world, technology has created avenues for such propaganda to spread even more rapidly.
In the past, it took a long time for misinformation to reach millions of people. Now, a single post, video, or graphic can reach a vast audience within minutes. Consequently, the damage caused by rumors or misinformation spread via social media can be far more rapid and widespread.
Countries around the world—including the United States, Canada, and Australia—have adopted various laws and policies to combat online harassment, cyberbullying, hate speech, and harmful digital content. Similarly, for Bangladesh, it is essential to enact laws that align with the country’s specific realities, drawing upon international experience.
In this context, the initiative taken by the BNP government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, holds special significance. If the government ensures necessary safeguards—combating cybercriminals on one hand while preventing the misuse of the law on the other—it will be possible to establish a balanced cybersecurity framework.
The government’s move to solicit opinions from experts, human rights organizations, the media, students, and general users before finalizing the law demonstrates its sincerity. Continuing this process of lawmaking—which values public opinion—will enhance the law’s acceptability.
While the government needs to be strict in dealing with cybercrime, transparency, accountability, and fair procedures in law enforcement are equally essential. A sound cyber law is not merely about punishing offenders; it is also crucial for ensuring the digital security of ordinary citizens, journalists, businesspeople, women, children, and various social groups.
The fact that the BNP government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is treating cybercrime seriously and seeking input from various quarters before amending the law reflects the government’s goodwill and sense of responsibility. The next step is to effectively implement this initiative in practice.
Without ensuring the security of citizens in the cyber realm, it is difficult to fully safeguard democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Therefore, the government’s goal should be to enact a balanced law that protects freedom of expression while taking effective measures against cyber-terrorism, rumors, misinformation, bullying, defamation, and online extortion.
Given this reality, the initiative to amend the cyber protection law is not just about altering legislation; it is directly linked to citizens’ digital security, social stability, and national security. If an effective law can be formulated by combining the government’s goodwill, stakeholder feedback, and practical experience, it will be possible to bring cybercriminals under control while creating a safe digital environment for the general public.
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