Editors seek further amendments to proposed Cyber Security Act
Home minister says govt will ensure no journalist or media outlet is victimised under the proposed law
Editors and journalists have called for further amendments to the proposed Cyber Security (Amendment) Act 2026, warning that some provisions could be misused against journalists and media outlets.
However, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed assured them that the government would take the utmost care to ensure no journalist or media organisation becomes a victim of the proposed law.
The remarks came at a consultation meeting with representatives of print and electronic media at the Secretariat today (28 September) to review the draft legislation.
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Speaking at a briefing after the meeting, Daily Manab Zamin Editor-in-Chief Matiur Rahman Chowdhury said the law should not be passed without addressing concerns raised by media stakeholders.
"If this law is passed without amendments, Bangladesh will turn into a large prison," he said.
The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam proposed further consultations between media and cybersecurity experts to ensure the law does not adversely affect journalists and to incorporate safeguards, including a "saving clause".
"Why should there be a mobile court for the media? Is the media a marketplace where mobile courts can operate?" he said.
He also warned that police could misuse the proposed law against media outlets.
"If this law is passed, the media will be harmed. There are some clauses that have no clear definitions, which might cause confusion," he also said.
Association of Television Channel Owners (ATCO) Secretary General and Ekushey Television Chairman Abdus Salam and National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz also spoke at the briefing.
Media representatives also called for specific safeguards for journalists and media organisations. Some suggested establishing a media commission to deal with matters involving the media.
The consultation was the second government-organised meeting with print and electronic media stakeholders on the draft law.
Salahuddin said formal recommendations from stakeholders on the proposed safeguards would be received within the next 15 days, after which the relevant provision would be incorporated into the bill.
He also said the draft would include a provision setting a specific time limit for disposing of cases or appeals so that no individual remains in legal uncertainty indefinitely.
Referring to Mahfuz Anam's proposal, the minister said it would allow more detailed discussions between media and cyber experts on safeguards for journalists.
"The government has gladly accepted the proposal," he said.
"We did not want to formulate this law targeting the media, nor do we want that now. Our main objective is to ensure that no journalist falls victim to the misuse of this law," he added.
The consultation was the second government-organised meeting with print and electronic media stakeholders on the draft law.
Salahuddin said the proposed legislation would be finalised only after extensive consultations with stakeholders and consideration of their recommendations.
He said the draft amendment bill had earlier been placed before the Cabinet, which directed the authorities to hold extensive discussions with IT experts and other stakeholders involved in cyberspace.
The revised draft will be published again on the relevant government website before being sent to the Cabinet, allowing the public and stakeholders another opportunity to submit their views, the minister said.
