Concerns Over Bangladesh's Cyber Protection Act Draft

• •Draft Cyber Protection Act could enable unchecked surveillance and repression.
• •Vague definitions in the draft may lead to misuse against freedom of expression.
• •Calls for comprehensive revision and stakeholder consultation are ongoing.

The draft Cyber Protection Act, 2026, has raised alarms from Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and Tech Global Institute for potentially enabling unchecked surveillance and repression. TIB criticized the draft for conflating cybercrime, cybersecurity, and freedom of expression, warning it could lead to human rights violations. The definitions of key terms like 'rumour' and 'misinformation' are seen as vague, allowing for misuse against free speech. Tech Global Institute described the draft as more regressive than the previous Digital Security Act, emphasizing its potential to criminalize online expression and impose harsh penalties. Both organizations called for a comprehensive revision and stakeholder consultation to ensure alignment with international human rights standards. The current status of the draft remains under scrutiny as stakeholders push for changes.