STAFF CORRESPONDENT

The digital laws recently passed by parliament pose risks to freedom of expression and privacy, said speakers at a conference yesterday, stressing that each law needs to be reviewed to safeguard rights.

At the event titled, “Digital Rights Asia-Pacific (DAPAC) Bangladesh National Conference 2026”, they pointed out that the laws were passed hastily without stakeholder consultation, and these have retained several provisions that allow extensive digital surveillance, creating a scope for misuse.

Digitally Right and EngageMedia, which work on internet rights, organised the event at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre with the theme “Meaningful, Inclusive Lawmaking.” Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and development organisation D-Net joined as session partners.

During his speech, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman expressed concern over several provisions in the recently passed Cyber Security Act, Bangladesh Telecommunication (Amendment) Ordinance, Personal Data Protection Ordinance, and National Data Management Ordinance.

He said the new laws contain inconsistencies and contradict both the spirit of July and the electoral pledges of parties represented in parliament.

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