Year
2025
Reform Domain
Media
Sub Domain
Freedom of Journalism
Source of Reform Proposals
Mass Media Reforms Commission
Reform Proposed
Reform Initiated
Legal and Policy Framework
Operationalisation
Action Implementation
Stage of Implementation
Reform Proposed
Last Update: 14-Dec-25
This reform proposal, articulated in the Media Reform Commission Report, was officially initiated.
Reform Initiated
Last Update: 14-Dec-25
On 1 December 2024 the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division published the draft of the new ordinance on its website and invited public feedback. Subsequently, on 24 December, the Advisory Council of the interim government approved the draft of the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2024, at one of its meetings. Facing criticism, the interim government introduced further amendments to the draft. Finally, on 6 May 2025, the Advisory Council gave its approval to the ordinance.
Legal and Policy Framework
Last Update: 14-Dec-25
Under the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025, nine contentious provisions that had criminalised criticism or expression related to the Liberation War, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the national anthem, and the national flag have been repealed. Consequently, all cases filed solely under those repealed provisions have been automatically dismissed.
Observation
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The Cyber Security Ordinance 2025 has been framed as a partial response to long-standing concerns associated with the previous digital security framework. Under the ordinance, nine contentious provisions that had criminalised criticism or expression related to the Liberation War, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the national anthem, and the national flag have been repealed. Consequently, all cases filed solely under those repealed provisions have been automatically dismissed.Procedural safeguards have been introduced by requiring complaints to be filed before a court, through which judges have been empowered to dismiss frivolous or unsubstantiated cases at the preliminary stage. Transparency in content regulation has been strengthened by mandating prior court approval for content removal and by requiring reinstatement where takedown orders are found to be unjustified. In addition, the scope for misuse has been reduced through a clearer definition of “religious hatred,” limiting arbitrary interpretation.Overall, these changes have reduced the risk of harassment through legal processes and have strengthened accountability, thereby contributing to a comparatively safer environment for press freedom.It is necessary to have political buy-in from the elected government to roll out the implementation of this proposal. Political parties may like to clearly articulate their position regarding this reform proposal in their respective election manifestos.