BD would become a 'massive prison', journos voice concern

Leading journalists have warned that Bangladesh could turn into a “massive prison” if the proposed Cyber Security (Amendment) Act, 2026 is passed without substantive amendments, while demanding the formation of a dedicated media commission to address press-related issues and protect journalists from arbitrary legal action.

The warning came at a government consultation with editors, journalist associations and media professionals at the Secretariat on Monday, the second such meeting on the controversial draft law.

“I believe that if this law is passed without amendments, Bangladesh will transform into a massive prison,” Manab Zamin Editor-in-Chief Matiur Rahman Chowdhury remarked at a briefing after the meeting.

The Daily Star Editor and Publisher Mahfuz Anam expressed satisfaction that the government had opened further consultations, noting that media representatives had identified several provisions requiring amendment. He proposed separate working groups comprising cybersecurity experts and media representatives to formulate recommendations.

“Everyone is part of the cyber world today, and media organisations operate through online, multimedia and digital platforms,” Mahfuz observed, stressing that legislation intended to combat  cybercrime must not inadvertently restrict journalism. He raised concerns over vaguely defined terms in the draft and provisions carrying two to 10 years' imprisonment, warning that ambiguous provisions could facilitate arbitrary enforcement.

He also questioned the proposed mobile court mechanism. "Consider a reporter working on a story-can that reporter be subject to a mobile court judgment? In our view, the provision regarding mobile courts was the most unexpected aspect," he remarked.

Ekushey Television Chairman and CEO Abdus Salam maintained that journalists should not face arrest or imprisonment merely because an individual objects to an investigative report or considers it defamatory. While acknowledging the necessity of legislation to combat cybercrime, he urged safeguards for mainstream, digital and online media and their personnel.

"A cyber security law is indeed necessary-to address those who commit various crimes in the cyber realm. However, if someone takes offence at a report and sues the journalist and media owner, leading to arrests or immediate action by a mobile court, that is unacceptable," Abdus Salam observed.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed assured the media that the legislation would not be allowed to become an instrument of oppression and that the government was exercising caution to prevent its misuse against journalists and media organisations.

He noted that the draft had previously been placed before the Cabinet, which directed consultations with IT experts and other stakeholders. Following the publication of the draft online, feedback was received from institutions, human rights organisations, students and cyberspace users. Monday's meeting was the government's second consultation with media stakeholders.

The minister accepted a proposal to incorporate "saving clauses" protecting the media from misuse. He also endorsed a proposal requiring prior court approval before action against or arrest of a journalist, saying the provision would be incorporated after formal recommendations are submitted within 15 days. A specific timeframe would also be considered for disposal of cases and appeals to prevent prolonged legal uncertainty.

The revised draft will be published online again before being placed before the Cabinet and subsequently considered at an inter-ministerial meeting. If approved, it will be introduced in Parliament, where the minister pledged that it would not be rushed and would undergo further discussion and scrutiny.

Meanwhile, the meeting decided to form a committee comprising journalists and experts to recommend amendments within 15 days. Its membership and size are yet to be finalised. Chief Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmad will act as focal point and coordinate with the Editors' Council, ATCO and journalist organisations to constitute the committee and arrange its meetings.