Existing laws of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry will be updated to match the growing digital ecosystem. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon delivered this directive on Sunday.
He shared these instructions during a meeting at the ministry’s conference room in Dhaka. The minister also stated that completely new laws will be framed where necessary.
He asked the concerned officials to review similar laws of different countries. They were instructed to prepare timely recommendations based on their findings.
“Digital technology is now deeply connected to people’s lifestyles, thinking, and communication,” the minister observed. “While technology brings many benefits, it also creates new risks.”
“These modern challenges must be brought under an effective legal framework,” he added. To achieve this, a comprehensive review of all existing rules has already begun.
Officials will quickly identify which outdated laws need immediate modernization. They will also point out legal gaps and suggest areas requiring new legislation.
Previously, the ministry’s working scope was limited to traditional print and broadcast media. However, the rapid growth of digital platforms has created numerous new mediums.
Many of these new platforms currently operate outside the existing legal guidelines. Therefore, the country’s legal framework must be modernized to regulate them properly.
Countries like the US, the UK, and Australia have already enacted laws to regulate digital platforms. Officials were tasked with studying these international examples to build a suitable framework for Bangladesh.
Governing the cyber world and digital services requires coordinated teamwork. The ministry will seek expert views from government agencies, telecom bodies, and private stakeholders.
Ministry Secretary Mahbuba Farzana, Additional Secretary Shah Alam, members of the ministry’s legal panel and senior officials were present at the meeting.
