Cyber Security Act to be repealed: Law adviser

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul has announced the repeal of the widely discussed Cyber Security Act, stating that a new law will be enacted under a different name for internet-related security.

"The Digital Security Act (Cyber Security Act) must be repealed. That is the direction we (the law ministry) will follow. We will decide after consulting with experts whether to repeal the entire law or only the parts concerning 'speech offences' (freedom of expression). However, this law will definitely be repealed," Asif Nazrul said.

He added, "When this law is repealed and a new law is enacted, the approach will be to provide protection and safeguard citizens. There will definitely be protections for women, children, and sensitive issues in society." 

Asif Nazrul also mentioned that all "black laws" in the country will be gradually repealed, and efforts have begun to withdraw cases filed under the Digital Security Act.

These remarks were made during a discussion organised by the law ministry on the amendment of the Cyber Security Act, 2023, held at the Judicial Administration Training Institute in the capital today.

The meeting included detailed discussions on proposed draft amendments aimed at updating the Cyber Security Act, 2023, with many participants advocating for the complete repeal of the act and the enactment of a new law.

Mohammad Nahid Islam, adviser to the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, said, "The Cyber Security Act will remain a point of distrust for the people. Therefore, it is not acceptable to merely amend the law or change its name. The law needs to be replaced." 

He added, "However, a decision must be made during the interim period about whether the law should be suspended or what actions to take to prevent any further cases from being filed under it."

Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh, echoed the sentiment, calling for the complete restructuring of the law and cancellation of the name of the Cyber Security Act, stating that it creates insecurity.

Other notable participants in the discussion included Mohammad Nazmuzzaman Bhuian, a professor at the Law Department of Dhaka University; former district and sessions judge Ikhtedar Ahmed; senior lawyer Barrister Sara Hossain; Supreme Court lawyer Shishir Monir; Executive Editor of Dhaka Tribune Reaz Ahmed; General Secretary of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists Kader Gani Chowdhury; author and political analyst Jahedur Rahman; and Khadijatul Kobra, one of the victims of the Digital Security Act.

Previously, on 30 September, the Law ministry announced that the government had decided to withdraw cases related to 'speech offences' under the Cyber Security Act. It was also stated that anyone currently detained in these cases would be released immediately through legal procedures.