Bangladesh - November 2024

On 7 November, the interim government endorsed the annulment of the Cyber Security Act, which was widely criticized for suppressing free speech, press freedom and political dissent. All cases filed under the act would also be withdrawn. Rights and media experts have welcomed the decision, urging the interim government to provide relief to victims of the Act. The decision to repeal the Cybersecurity Act paves the way for preparing a new Cyber Protection Ordinance law. This proposed law omits seven controversial provisions from the previous Act, including hate, misinformation and defamatory propaganda penalties.

Update: The interim government’s advisory council approved the draft Cyber Protection ordinance on 24 December. However, civil society members have criticized the draft for retaining vague definitions similar to those of its predecessors, which could lead to misuse. The interim government has also been accused of failing to conduct meaningful consultations beforehand, allowing only three days for comment. In response, the interim government uploaded an amended version of the draft ordinance to its website and reopened the commenting period from 22 January to 6 February 2025.

Sources: International IDEA , Dhaka Tribune, The Daily Star, Prothomalo, Article 19, The Daily Star