Arresting a journalist over a published report will need prior court permission, cabinet committee agrees in principle on Cyber Protection Act draft

There has been agreement in principle on keeping a provision requiring the prior permission of the competent court before arresting any journalist, media owner or responsible person over the publication of a news report. The matter was discussed at a meeting of the cabinet committee formed to review and finalise the draft Cyber Protection (Amendment) Act, 2026.

Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam chaired the meeting, held on Wednesday (4 November) in the meeting room of the Posts and Telecommunications Division. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmad and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam were present.

The meeting emphasised refining and finalising the draft law giving importance to the opinions of journalists and media representatives. It also discussed ensuring the law is not used as a tool of harassment against journalists, news media or independent journalism.

The meeting stressed following due legal process and preventing harassment when taking action against journalists.

A proposal to rearrange the relevant sections of the law by considering defamation, disparagement and cyberbullying separately also came up in discussion. Making the definition of cyberspace more specific was also discussed.

Keeping the definition and punishment for defamation consistent with the Penal Code received importance. Opinions were given to make the definitions of rumour and disinformation clearer and more specific, so that media freedom is not undermined by vague or overbroad definitions in the law.

The meeting also discussed not keeping a mobile-court provision in the law, informing the person or institution concerned of the reason when content is removed or blocked, and fixing a time limit for disposing of applications to unblock blocked content.

A proposal to give written notice and an opportunity for self-defence before taking action against any news medium or institution was also raised at the meeting.

The member structure of the Cyber Protection Council, media representation in it, and consultation with international stakeholders were also discussed. Importance was given to holding discussions in coordination with the ministry concerned with development partners including the United Nations and international technology platforms such as Meta.

The meeting discussed revising the amended draft law again on the basis of stakeholders' opinions and recommendations and publishing it on a website. Importance was also given to taking public opinion to make the draft more acceptable, effective and timely.

Speakers at the meeting said the cyber protection law must be enacted maintaining a balance between preventing cybercrime and protecting citizens' rights, freedom of expression and media freedom. The meeting said the initiative to finalise the draft, taking into account the constructive opinions of all stakeholders concerned, will continue.

A presentation was given at the meeting on behalf of the National Cyber Security Agency. ICT Division secretary Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan, Posts and Telecommunications Division secretary Dr Md Kamruzzaman and senior officials of the ministries and divisions concerned were present.