The government is repealing nine controversial sections of the Cyber Security Act, as a result of which around 95% of fabricated political cases filed by the previous government will be withdrawn, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul has said.
The decision to repeal these controversial sections of the Cyber Security Ordinance was taken during a meeting of the Advisory Council held on Tuesday, chaired by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus.
Asif Nazrul disclosed this at a press briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy.
He said that 95% of harassment cases were filed under these nine controversial sections, all of which are now being repealed.
He continued: “The law has undergone 25 rounds of amendments during the drafting phase. Following extensive discussions, the final draft was presented at the Advisory Council meeting.”
Dr Nazrul added that the new Cyber Security Act will come into effect within a week.
The adviser said: “The proposed law prohibits online gambling and introduces provisions for punishment in cases of publishing content that sexually harasses women and children or incites religious hatred.
Offences that were previously non-bailable have now been made bailable, and the maximum punishment under these provisions is two years.”
He further announced that once the ordinance is published in the official gazette, all cases filed under the repealed sections of the Cyber Security Act will be automatically withdrawn.
The nine sections being repealed include:
- Section 20: Crimes and penalties related to modification of computer source code
- Section 21: Penalties for spreading hatred, confusion, or defamatory propaganda regarding the Liberation War, its spirit, or Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
- Section 24: Identity fraud or impersonation
- Section 25: Sending or publishing offensive, false, or threatening information and data
- Section 26: Collection and use of personal information without permission
- Section 29: Publishing or disseminating defamatory information
- Section 31: Crimes and penalties for activities that may deteriorate law and order
- Section 32: Crimes and penalties related to hacking
- Section 55: Delegation of authority to the director general
Asif Nazrul emphasized that these nine sections, including those concerning insults to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the national flag, were used to file 95% of cases—these will now be dropped automatically.
A new provision has been introduced in the revised Cyber Security Act to allow for the swift handling of cases related to abuse of women and children, rape, and religious incitement, he said.
The adviser also noted that three other laws were approved during the Advisory Council meeting. Approval of the draft of the Boundary Redetermination Act, approval of the Civil Procedure Court-CPC Act, which will expedite the resolution of civil cases, and approval of amendment to the Electoral Delimitation Act.
Amendment to the Boundary Redetermination Act
The Advisory Council has approved amendments to the law concerning the redrawing of constituency boundaries, following objections from several political parties and the Election Commission submitted to the Cabinet.
The law adviser said that the amendment was made in response to a request from the Election Commission.
He explained that under the previous fascist government, constituency boundaries were determined arbitrarily, prompting complaints from various political parties.
Furthermore, due to a flaw in the delimitation law, the Election Commission was unable to carry out its responsibilities effectively.
The Commission had formally requested the amendment, and the law has now been revised accordingly, the adviser said.
He added that the Election Commission can begin fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities regarding the re-delimitation of constituencies as soon as the amended law is officially gazetted—likely within two to four days.
He emphasized that no major reform can take place without political consensus.
He criticized the hateful and indecent remarks made by some in response to the recommendations of the Women's Affairs Reform Commission, noting that dissent should be expressed respectfully.
He clarified that the Women's Affairs Reform Commission has only submitted its recommendations.
Recently, there has been considerable debate surrounding the recommendations submitted by the Women's Affairs Reform Commission to the Chief Adviser.
Islamic parties, including Hefazat-e-Islam, have strongly opposed the recommendations and launched various protest programs.
The law adviser reiterated that the commission’s recommendations do not represent a government decision, and that any significant reform must be based on national consensus.
He urged those with differing opinions to express their views with tolerance and civility.
In a separate development, the Advisory Council has also granted final approval to the Civil Procedure Act, Asif Nazrul announced.
He noted that the new law will expedite case resolutions, eliminating the need for court proceedings to drag on for years.
Visa waiver agreement with Peru
The Advisory Council has approved the draft agreement between the governments of Bangladesh and Peru on the waiver of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, special, and service/official passports.
The draft received final approval at a meeting of the Advisory Council held on Tuesday, chaired by Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus.
During the same meeting, when the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs presented the draft of the National Freedom Fighters Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, the council decided to review it in more detail and present it again at a future meeting.
Additionally, the draft of the Bangladesh Krirashebi Kalyan Foundation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 was given final approval by the Advisory Council during the session.
The National Youth Entrepreneurship Development Policy 2025 was also approved.
This policy aims to empower youth as key drivers and change agents in social, economic, and environmental progress through innovation and entrepreneurship.
It seeks to enhance youth participation in good governance and social development by encouraging the involvement of creative and enterprising individuals in decision-making processes.
The policy also focuses on increasing employment opportunities for young entrepreneurs, providing demand-driven training aligned with global labor market needs, and conducting research on the benefits, challenges, and necessary support for young innovators transitioning into entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, it proposes the establishment of "youth shops" to market products made by young entrepreneurs, as well as organizing local, regional, national, and international fairs to ensure their active participation.
