‘Cyber law won’t target journalists’

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Monday that the proposed Cyber Security (Amendment) Act, 2026 will not be allowed to become an oppressive law, assuring journalists and media organisations that their concerns will be considered before the legislation is finalised.
Speaking at a press briefing at Secretariat, following a consultation with editors, journalists and representatives of print and electronic media, the minister said the government is determined to prevent misuse of the proposed law against journalists. It was the second meeting on the proposed draft since 10 September.
“We did not want to make this law targeting the media, and we do not want that. Our main goal is to ensure that no journalist becomes a victim of misuse of the law,” he said.
Salahuddin said the draft had been published on the government website to invite views from IT experts, human rights organisations, students, cyberspace users and other stakeholders. Their recommendations have been compiled and will be considered before the bill is finalised.
He said stakeholders had proposed making prior court approval mandatory before action could be taken against or a journalist arrested. The government considers the proposal “appropriate and reasonable”, he said.

Stakeholders will submit formal recommendations within 7-15 days.A coordination mechanism, led by the Principal Information Officer, will bring together the Ministries of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Information and Broadcasting, along with representatives of media organisations and cyber experts.
The revised draft will be published online again before being sent to the Cabinet, giving stakeholders another opportunity to comment. It will then undergo an inter-ministerial review before Cabinet approval and subsequent placement before parliament.
Salahuddin said the bill would not be rushed through parliament and that views expressed both inside and outside the legislature would be considered.
He said the proposed law aims to combat cybercrime while protecting social and religious harmony, family ties and cultural values, in line with international standards.

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