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Draft CSO makes four offences non-bailable

Nine contentious sections repealed, bullying provisions excluded


FE REPORT | January 23, 2025 00:00:00


The draft Cyber Security Ordinance 2025 has undergone a comprehensive update, introducing over a dozen new sections and making four offences non-bailable.

At the same time, nine contentious sections have been repealed, and provisions related to bullying have been excluded, reflecting public concerns.

These changes are intended to enhance government accountability while strengthening protections against cybercrimes, particularly those targeting women and children under clause 3 of section 25 of the ordinance.

ICT Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury outlined the updates during a press conference held at the conference room of the ICT Division on Wednesday.

He also said the draft would be finalised in the next six weeks.

Chowdhury emphasised the revisions were made following consultations with various civil society organisations, including Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).

He explained that even with the ordinance finalised, there remains room for further feedback, as complaints and observations can still be submitted before the law is formally passed.

The ICT secretary underscored the need for vigilance in managing the country's vast cyberspace, ensuring it remains a resource rather than a liability.

Furthermore, he assured that provisions in the Penal Code have been deliberately excluded from the ordinance to prevent redundancy.

During the event, the secretary elaborated on the implications of the ordinance, highlighting plans to expand the scope of the National Cyber Security Agency.

"This enhancement would complement the existing efforts under the BGD E-Gov CERT project, making cybersecurity initiatives more effective across public sectors."

ICT Policy Adviser Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb also spoke at the briefing, affirming that the ordinance has been carefully crafted to prevent its misuse as a repressive tool.

He noted that special attention has been given to the choice of language to address contentious issues while ensuring that the law offers protection to all professionals in Bangladesh.

Taiyeb further emphasised the forward-looking nature of the law, which connects the increasing reliance on internet connectivity and national cybersecurity infrastructure to future challenges.

The adviser also explained that the Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) would establish its own Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) to strengthen cybersecurity measures.

In tandem, the National CERT (NCERT) would be empowered to secure critical systems using a combination of proprietary and open-source software. The revisions reflect a deliberate effort to address public outcry over the original ordinance. Among the repealed sections are provisions that penalised altering computer source codes, identity fraud, and the unauthorised use of personal information.

Other repealed clauses include penalties for spreading slander or propaganda related to the Liberation War, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and national symbols like the anthem and flag, as well as for actions perceived as causing law and order deterioration.

Controversial provisions, such as the delegation of powers to the director general, have also been removed.

The updated version of the ordinance signifies a critical step forward in balancing the need for robust cybersecurity with the rights and freedoms of individuals.

The government has positioned the ordinance as a living document, open to reform and reflective of the public's concerns, ensuring that the cyberspace of Bangladesh remains secure without becoming a tool for repression.

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