DHAKA, BANGLADESH (HRNW) — Front Line Defenders and other civil-society organizations have raised concerns over Bangladesh’s proposed Cyber Protection (Amendment) Act 2026, warning that some provisions could affect freedom of expression, journalism and the work of human-rights defenders.
In a statement published September 22, the organizations said the draft legislation contains provisions that they believe could repeat problems associated with Bangladesh’s earlier Digital Security Act.
The groups acknowledged the government’s responsibility to address cybercrime and protect digital security but said such measures should also comply with constitutional and international human-rights protections.
They expressed particular concern about terms such as “rumour,” “misinformation,” “digital defamation,” “humiliation,” “bullying” and “fake news,” which they said could be interpreted too broadly.
The organizations warned that unclear definitions could create uncertainty over which forms of online expression might result in criminal proceedings.
They also highlighted proposed penalties involving imprisonment and substantial fines.
According to the statement, proposed Section 26A could provide for penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to 4 million Bangladeshi taka for online publication or dissemination of rumours and disinformation.
The organizations said the proposed provisions could also allow pretrial detention for some conduct involving online expression.
They raised concerns about provisions that could expand the number of authorities empowered to seek the blocking of digital content.
The groups also said some proposed offences could become non-bailable.
Front Line Defenders and the other organizations said a government consultation held on September 10 did not include civil-society organizations and human-rights defenders.
They also noted that the draft was published online on September 14, leaving a relatively short period for public comments.
The organizations are calling for the draft to be withdrawn in its current form and for a broader consultation involving human-rights defenders, civil-society organizations, journalists, technology specialists and legal experts.
The proposed legislation has become part of a wider discussion in Bangladesh over digital security, online misinformation, media freedom and protection of civic space.
The groups said future cyber legislation should address genuine security concerns while protecting freedom of expression and access to information.
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Disclaimer
This article is based on a September 22, 2026 joint statement published by Front Line Defenders and other organizations. The concerns regarding the draft legislation, its possible interpretation and potential impact on rights are attributed to the participating organizations and are not independent HRNW legal findings. The legislation remains subject to Bangladesh’s legislative process.
