A coalition of media figures, legal experts, and civil society organizations has called for the repeal or significant amendment of the draft Cybersecurity Act, 2026, citing concerns that certain provisions could undermine fundamental rights, including free speech and press freedom. The group raised these issues at a roundtable held on October 18 at the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) office in Dhanmondi, Dhaka.

The event was jointly organized by Transparency International Bangladesh, Cyber Support for Women and Children (CSWC)—a coalition of 17 rights groups—and several partner organizations, totaling 19 participants. Representatives from the government-appointed media committee, responsible for reviewing the draft legislation, also attended the discussion.

TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman highlighted that successive governments in Bangladesh have increasingly relied on cyber laws to restrict freedom of expression and media activities. He noted a brief reduction in such measures during the interim government period, but stressed that efforts to use legal frameworks to consolidate power and control information flow have resumed. According to Iftekharuzzaman, the draft act uses the justification of combating disinformation and misinformation as a pretext to criminalize legitimate rights.

While specific clauses of the draft Cybersecurity Act were not detailed publicly, the critics warn that the proposed law could be deployed to suppress dissent, restrict journalistic reporting, and inhibit civil society activism. They emphasize the need for clear safeguards to ensure that regulations target harmful online behavior without curtailing democratic freedoms.

During the discussion, it was revealed that at least 101 individuals have already been accused under existing cyber laws, underscoring fears that the new legislation could further expand punitive measures against users and media personnel.

Government officials involved in the review process have maintained that the draft act aims to modernize legal tools to address growing challenges posed by online misinformation, cybercrime, and digital security threats. However, civil society representatives argue the bill’s current form lacks sufficient protections for citizens’ rights.

The roundtable concluded with calls for wider public consultation and transparent debate before the Cybersecurity Act is finalized and enacted. Advocates stressed that striking a balance between security concerns and the preservation of fundamental freedoms is essential to uphold democratic principles in Bangladesh’s increasingly digital society.