New Cyber Law Will Not Target Journalists, Home Minister Says
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the proposed Cyber Security (Amendment) Act, 2026, will not become a repressive law or target journalists.
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In a Nutshell
- Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the proposed Cyber Security (Amendment) Act, 2026, will not become a repressive law or target journalists.
- The government consulted print and electronic media representatives in Dhaka on 28 September to review the draft.
- Editors, journalists, cyber experts, rights groups, students, and users have been invited to submit recommendations.
- The government accepted a proposal for further media–cyber expert discussions and legal safeguards for journalism.
- A proposal for prior court permission before action or arrest against journalists will be formally considered, alongside deadlines for resolving cases and appeals.
- A revised draft will be published online again before Cabinet and parliamentary consideration.
Context
The proposed amendment follows continuing concern that cyber laws can protect against online crime but also be misused to restrict reporting and expression. The government says the revised process will prioritise consultation, clearer safeguards for the media, judicial oversight, and compatibility with international standards.
Why It Matters
The proposed court-approval safeguard for journalists could create an important check on executive power, while defined time limits may reduce the risk of cases becoming punishment in themselves. Public consultation and republication of the draft also offer a chance to identify vague provisions before they become law. The outcome will shape whether the legislation is seen as a credible tool against cybercrime or as a potential constraint on independent media and criticism.
What We Think
The home minister’s assurance is a positive sign, given that cyber laws during Sheikh Hasina’s government were widely criticised for being used to harass journalists and discourage critical reporting. The pledge that the proposed amendment will not target the media, along with plans to consult journalists and include legal safeguards, signals an effort to break from that record.
The real measure, however, will be the final law and its enforcement. Requiring court permission before action against a journalist, clearly defining offences, and protecting good-faith reporting can help prevent the law from becoming a tool of intimidation.