Cyber law revision to balance security, free speech

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday said the government had been seeking opinions from international and local stakeholders on the proposed Cyber Security (Amendment) Act 2026 to strengthen digital security while protecting freedom of expression.

He made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation of the International Republican Institute (IRI) at his office at noon. Discussions focused on preventing cybercrime and online bullying and the proposed amendment to the cyber security law.

The delegation was led by IRI Resident Programme Director John Fluharty. Helen Jerin Khan, MP, IRI Technical Adviser Ruksana Haque, and young politicians and IRI trainees Chamon Faria and Mohammad Prince were also present. Fluharty briefed the minister on IRI’s ongoing programmes aimed at developing youth leadership and promoting violence-free political practices. He said young people and political activists in Bangladesh were currently facing harassment and defamation because of cyberbullying and organised disinformation.

He called for consensus-based policy and legal protection for both the government and opposition parties in this regard. The Home Minister assured the delegation that the government was aware of citizens’ freedom of expression and personal security. “Under Article 39 of the Constitution, every citizen has the right to express opinions and engage in constructive criticism, subject to reasonable restrictions. However, constructive criticism is not the same as character assassination or abusive language for political purposes,” he said.