A coalition of civil society organizations, human rights activists, media figures and digital rights defenders has demanded the withdrawal of the proposed amendment to the Cyber Security Act, 2026. In a joint statement issued Thursday (September 17), organizations including Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), Tech Global Institute, Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust, Ain o Salish Kendra, Article 19, BRAC, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, Manusher Jonno Foundation and VOICE said the draft amendment was prepared without meaningful public consultation.

The statement warns that the amendment could broaden the scope of speech-related offenses and allow inconsistent interpretation and enforcement. It criticizes the expanded definition of defamation and the criminalization of rumors and misinformation, without adequate safeguards for freedom of expression, press freedom, or public-interest reporting. The groups also flagged provisions allowing pre-trial detention for certain offenses, carrying penalties of up to 10 years' imprisonment and fines up to Tk 4 million, as well as concerns over the growing role of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, changes to the National Cyber Security Council's composition, and expanded government powers to remove online content without clear rules, prior notice, independent oversight, or effective appeal mechanisms.

The organizations urged the government to hold meaningful, time-bound consultations with civil society, media professionals, legal experts and technologists before proceeding, and to draft a new version of the law that addresses cyberspace challenges while protecting citizens' rights and upholding Bangladesh's international human rights obligations.