The interim government repealed the much-debated Cyber Security Act 2023 and promulgated the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025 as published in the official gazette by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs on Wednesday.
The ordinance, signed by Dr. Hafiz Ahmed Chowdhury, Secretary of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division, received presidential assent following approval by the Advisory Council.
The ordinance comes amid longstanding criticism of the Cyber Security Act 2023, particularly during the tenure of the previous Awami League government, which faced widespread allegations of misuse and encroachment on fundamental freedoms. Following the change in government, the interim administration initiated the repeal process publishing a draft on December 1 via the Information and Communication Technology Department and inviting public opinion until December 4. Despite further controversy surrounding the draft's initial contents, the Advisory Council approved it on December 24 with subsequent amendments incorporated before final approval on May 6.
According to Legal Advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul, the draft was revised no fewer than 25 times through inter-agency consultations to ensure legal clarity and protection of civil liberties.
The newly enacted ordinance abolishes Sections 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31 and 34 of the repealed law. All ongoing investigations, proceedings and convictions under these sections shall stand annulled and no further legal action shall lie therein. These provisions had criminalized acts such as identity fraud, unauthorized use of personal data, defamation and alleged propaganda against national symbols and the Liberation War were the issues that drew severe criticism from rights groups and civil society.
Structured into nine detailed chapters, the ordinance sets forth provisions for cybercrime prevention, prosecution and policy oversight. It establishes a statutory body titled the National Cyber Security Agency, headquartered in Dhaka, with authority to establish regional branches. The agency shall function under rules framed by the government with duties defined in Chapter II.
