Arresting a journalist over a published report will require a court's prior permission under draft law agreed in principle

Members of the concerned cabinet committee have agreed in principle to include a provision requiring a court's permission before arresting any journalist, media owner or responsible person over the publication or broadcast of news. The matter was discussed during the review of the draft Cyber Security (Amendment) Act, 2026.

The meeting was held on Wednesday (4 November) in the meeting room of the Posts and Telecommunications Division, chaired by Posts and Telecommunications Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam attended the meeting of the committee formed to review and finalise the draft of the Cyber Security Act.

The meeting emphasised amending the draft law by taking the opinions of journalists and media representatives. It also discussed ensuring that the law is not used to harass journalists or obstruct media freedom.

The meeting said proper legal procedures must be followed before taking any action against journalists. At the same time, a proposal was made to keep defamation, insulting someone and cyber harassment as separate matters in the law.

Aligning the definition and punishment of defamation with the existing Penal Code was discussed. A proposal was also made to define rumours and misinformation more clearly. Those concerned believe this will reduce the risk of media freedom being harmed through vague interpretations of the law.

In addition, a proposal not to keep a provision for trial through mobile courts in the draft law was discussed. Before removing or blocking any individual or organisation's online content, they must be told the reason. A time limit for disposing of applications to restore blocked content was also discussed.

A proposal also came up at the meeting to give written notice to any media outlet or organisation and an opportunity to present their statement before action is taken against them.

Including media representatives in the Cyber Security Council was also discussed. Alongside this, importance was given to consulting the United Nations, development partners and international technology companies such as Meta.

The meeting discussed revising the draft again on the basis of the opinions and suggestions of those who attended and publishing it on a website. There is then a plan to make the law more effective and timely by taking public opinion. Speakers at the meeting said that alongside stopping cybercrime, people's rights, freedom of expression and media freedom must also be protected. The draft of the law will be finalised considering everyone's opinions.