Jamaat seeks withdrawal of proposed amendments

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar on Monday urged the government to withdraw the proposed amendments to the Cyber Security Act 2026 and retain the existing law, alleging that the draft could restrict freedom of expression and undermine independent journalism.

He made the remarks at a seminar titled “Cyber Security Act 2026: Security, Control or Suppression of Freedom of Expression?” organised by Jamaat’s Information and Broadcasting Department at the Jatiya Press Club.

“The government is showing signs of instability and indecision,” Parwar said, questioning the need to amend the law only a few months after the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025 was enacted as the Cyber Security Act 2026.

He alleged that the proposed amendments were intended to suppress opposition voices and prevent the media from reporting allegations of corruption and politicisation.

The government has said the proposed amendments are aimed at addressing cybercrime, protecting citizens and curbing harmful online content. The draft is currently under review, with the ICT Division seeking public opinion on it.

Parwar also criticised the government for what he described as using its parliamentary majority to take decisions without adequately considering public opinion.

Jamaat Assistant Secretary General and head of its Publicity and Media Department Advocate Ahsanul Mahbub Zubayer alleged that the government's recent actions showed how an elected government could move towards authoritarianism. He urged the government to respect the public mandate.

Jamaat Central Executive Council member and Dhaka South City unit Ameer Mohammad Nurul Islam Bulbul MP said the proposed amendments would pose a threat to freedom of expression and independent journalism.

“The amended law will control the freedom of expression of the people and pose a threat to independent journalism,” he said.

Jamaat Central Executive Council member and Dhaka South City unit Secretary Dr Shafiqul Islam Masud MP alleged that the proposed provisions would make it difficult for citizens to criticise those in power.

Referring to proposed penalties, he claimed that the draft would provide for up to five years' imprisonment and a fine of Tk20 lakh for defamation.

Jamaat leader Dr Rezaul Karim alleged that the amendments were intended to control the media and the public, while Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir Secretary General Sibgatullah Sibga said the proposed law could restrict freedom of expression guaranteed under Article 39 of the Constitution.