A policy dialogue in Dhaka has called for stronger protection of privacy, freedom of expression and digital safety, along with greater institutional accountability, as Bangladesh’s use of technology continues to expand.
The “Policy Dialogue on Rights-Respecting Digital Governance in Bangladesh” brought together parliamentarians, policymakers, civil society representatives, journalists and young people to discuss building a safer, more inclusive and rights-based digital governance system.
The dialogue was organised by SERAC-Bangladesh, with support from DDI South Asia and Accountability Lab.
MP Anisur Rahaman of Madaripur-3, MP Salah Uddin of Gazipur-4 and reserved women’s seat MP Sherin Sultana attended the event, along with representatives from civil society, the media and youth groups.
The programme began with welcome remarks by Mizanur Rahman Akanda, project manager of SERAC-Bangladesh.
S M Shaikat, executive director of SERAC-Bangladesh, delivered the keynote presentation, focusing on protecting citizens, ensuring youth participation and strengthening institutional accountability to build a safe and rights-respecting digital Bangladesh.
The roundtable discussion was moderated by Md Salim Miah, director (programme) of SERAC-Bangladesh.
Freedom of expression was a key focus of the discussion.
Participants said the right to express opinions must be protected both online and offline, while stressing that exercising this right should not infringe on the rights, dignity, privacy or safety of others.
They called for a balanced approach to online expression, saying legitimate criticism and public debate should be protected, while threats, incitement to violence, fraud and other harmful activities should be addressed through clear, necessary and proportionate legal measures.
Participants also stressed the importance of accuracy and context in news and digital content, saying incomplete or one-sided reporting can mislead the public and distort perceptions of events.
Data privacy was another major concern at the dialogue.
Participants, including MPs, discussed the difficulties citizens face in correcting or updating their personal information.
They highlighted a contrast between the difficulties people often experience in correcting or updating their National Identity (NID) information and concerns that sensitive personal data may be obtained by unauthorised individuals for relatively small amounts of money.
The discussion referred to reported payments ranging from Tk30 to Tk250 for access to personal information.
Participants said institutions collecting and processing personal data should collect only information necessary for specific purposes and restrict access based on official responsibilities.
They also called for transparent and auditable records of who accesses and uses personal data, clear accountability for handling such information and effective remedies for unlawful access or misuse.
The dialogue also highlighted growing digital risks for children and young people.
Participants identified online harassment, identity misuse, manipulated and AI-generated content, and unauthorised use of personal information as major concerns.
They called for confidential and accessible complaint mechanisms, timely remedies and appropriate psychosocial support for young people facing online harm.
Participants also stressed that young people should not be treated merely as beneficiaries of digital policies. Instead, they should have a meaningful role in developing laws and policies affecting their digital lives, with their experiences and perspectives reflected in decision-making.
They further called for greater coordination among laws and policies on cybersecurity, personal data protection and national data management, as well as clear and accessible mechanisms for citizens to seek remedies when their rights are violated.
The dialogue also stressed the need to consult young people, civil society, technology experts, legal professionals, journalists and affected communities before introducing new digital laws and policies.
Participants identified several priorities for improving digital governance, including clear definitions of digital offences, proportionate enforcement of laws, stronger institutional accountability for personal data, safer digital participation for children, young people and women, meaningful public consultation and stronger parliamentary oversight.
They said Bangladesh’s digital transformation must be accompanied by stronger safeguards for fundamental rights, privacy, safety, dignity and freedom of expression.
They emphasised that digital governance should evolve alongside technological development while remaining accountable, transparent, inclusive and respectful of citizens’ rights.
