Bangladesh is moving to tighten its cybercrime laws with proposed amendments that would introduce severe penalties for spreading online rumours and misinformation, raising concerns among journalists and press freedom groups over the potential impact on independent reporting.
The proposed Cyber Security (Amendment) Act, 2026 was discussed with representatives of the media during a government consultation in Dhaka on September 10. The draft would make the publication or dissemination of rumours and misinformation in cyberspace a criminal offence punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to Tk40 lakh, or both.
Under the proposed provisions, online material could be considered an offence if authorities determine that it is unsubstantiated or unverified and has the potential to create confusion, panic or unrest. The amendments also seek to strengthen government powers to restrict or block online content.
The proposals have triggered concerns within Bangladesh’s media industry, particularly over provisions that could be used against news organisations and journalists. Media representatives have warned that elements of the proposed law resemble provisions of the now-defunct Digital Security Act, which was widely criticised for its impact on freedom of expression.
The Committee to Protect Journalists has urged Bangladesh’s government to withdraw or substantially revise provisions that could criminalise legitimate journalism. It argues that journalists should be able to publish independently sourced and fact-checked information, including reports that may be critical of government authorities.
The government, however, says the legislation is intended to address the growing threat posed by misinformation, online disorder, fabricated content and other harmful material circulating on social media. Information and Broadcasting Minister Andaleeve Rahman said the government had no intention of suppressing press freedom and that the objective was to protect social harmony and prevent disorder online.
The proposed amendments come amid wider efforts by Bangladesh to strengthen regulation of the digital space, including addressing AI-generated deceptive images, videos and audio, fake accounts, bot networks and online harassment.
Rights organisations remain concerned that broadly worded cybercrime provisions could give authorities excessive discretion in determining what constitutes misinformation or harmful content. Transparency International Bangladesh has warned that combining cybersecurity, cybercrime and freedom-of-expression issues within one law could create opportunities for misuse and human rights violations.
The government has said the draft remains subject to consultation and revision. A major challenge will be balancing the fight against genuine cybercrime and disinformation with safeguards that prevent the new law from becoming a tool for restricting journalism and legitimate public debate.
