Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called on the interim government to allocate at least one month for a comprehensive review and inclusive participation process before finalising the draft Cyber Protection Ordinance, 2024.
The organisation emphasised that proceeding with the ordinance without adequate consultation with stakeholders could undermine its intended objectives.
The recommendation was formally conveyed to the interim government on Sunday, said a media release on Tuesday (17 December).
In a letter, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman stated, “The decision to repeal the Cyber Security Act, which was used as a tool to suppress dissent and silence the media, has brought relief to all citizens. This marks a notable public welfare-oriented initiative by the interim government. The Information and Communication Technology Department’s Law and Rules Branch has now prepared the draft ‘Cyber Protection Ordinance, 2024’ to replace the previous legislation, which violated the principles of freedom of speech and expression.”
TIB expressed hope that the new ordinance would focus on ensuring cyber security, preventing cybercrimes, and facilitating investigations and judicial proceedings related to such offences.
However, Iftekharuzzaman stressed that it is equally vital to ensure the ordinance does not replicate restrictions akin to the now-repealed Digital Security Act and Cyber Security Act.
“It is essential to consider the likelihood that the ordinance, if improperly enacted, might again restrict citizens' freedom of speech and expression,” he warned.
The TIB Executive Director highlighted a significant concern regarding the drafting process, noting that the document was made available online for only three working days, after which it was removed.
Media reports indicate that the draft ordinance has already received initial approval from the Advisory Council on 12 December 2024.
Iftekharuzzaman underscored the importance of a transparent and inclusive process for such a critical legislative instrument.
“Issuing an ordinance as significant as the ‘Cyber Protection Ordinance, 2024’ without sufficient analysis and inclusive feedback from relevant stakeholders carries the risk of disrupting its core objectives,” he remarked.
TIB has therefore urged the government to allow at least a month’s time for all relevant stakeholders, including experts, to engage in a detailed review of the draft.
The organisation believes that only through such a rigorous and participatory process can the ordinance achieve its intended purpose while upholding citizens' rights to freedom of speech and expression.
