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The Council of Advisers has approved the draft of the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025, which is expected to be officially announced this week, according to Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy following the council meeting, Dr. Nazrul said the ordinance will come into immediate effect once the Law Ministry completes its vetting and the gazette notification is issued.
The meeting, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the Chief Adviser’s Office, also approved two other ordinances: the Code of Civil Procedure (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 and one concerning electoral boundary demarcation.
Dr. Nazrul highlighted several key aspects of the new cyber law, including: Internet access recognized as a civic right for the first time in Bangladesh, Online gambling banned, Harassment and sexual abuse of women and children in cyberspace declared punishable offenses, Content inciting religious hatred or exaggerating violence also deemed punishable and Crimes committed using artificial intelligence (AI) have been brought under legal scrutiny — a first in South Asia.
Importantly, the ordinance repeals nine controversial sections of the Cyber Security Act 2023, which were widely criticized for being used to harass individuals. Dr. Nazrul noted that around 95% of all cases under the 2023 law were filed under these nine sections, and all such cases will be automatically dismissed once the ordinance is in effect.
Among the repealed provisions are those related to the Liberation War, Bangabandhu, national anthem, and national flag, which were frequently misused to target dissenting voices, he added.
Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain and the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam were also present at the briefing.
