Cyber Protection Act draft more regressive than DSA

Tech Global Institute called upon the government to withdraw the current draft of the Cyber Protection Act, 2026 and open a meaningful, time-bound consultation process involving civil society, media practitioners, legal experts, technologists, and other relevant stakeholders before taking further steps.

In a press release issued yesterday, it also urged the government to draft a revised version underpinned by wide stakeholder consultations that addresses broader concerns in the cyber space and empowers Bangladeshi citizens, while being aligned with Bangladesh’s obligations under international human rights law.

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It also expressed concern over the proposed amendments to the Cyber Protection Act, 2026, which, it said were developed without any meaningful process of public consultation.

“The substance of the amendments appears more regressive than the Digital Security Act, 2018 (DSA), continuing its legacy of criminalising expression and entrenching censorship and surveillance,” it said.

It said the amendment broadens the definition of defamation considerably beyond the DSA, while introducing new offenses (Sec 25 and Sec 26) relating to belittling, rumour, and disinformation each framed through broad, imprecise definitions that leave considerable room for subjective interpretation.

“The draft includes no meaningful safeguards for freedom of expression, media freedom, or public-interest reporting,” it said.