The interim government has officially repealed the Cyber Security Act, 2023 and issued a new law titled the Cyber Protection Ordinance, 2025.
The ordinance was published late Wednesday night (May 21) by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Law.
According to the ordinance, the previous Cyber Security Act lacked sufficient safeguards for citizen protection, which led to its misuse and the suppression of civil liberties, including freedom of expression. To address these issues, the new ordinance has been introduced to ensure cyber protection, identify and prevent online crimes, and bring offenders to justice.
While the 2023 law has been repealed, the following sections—17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 30, 32, and 35—have been retained.
The draft of the new ordinance was approved earlier, on May 6, during a meeting of the Advisory Council. Compared to the previous law, nine sections have been removed.
Key features of the new ordinance include:
- Recognition of internet access as a fundamental right.
- Ban on online gambling.
- Criminalization of online harassment and abuse of women and children.
Several controversial sections from the 2023 act have been dropped—these included provisions related to the Liberation War, its spirit, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the national anthem, and the national flag. Also removed are sections related to law and order violations, dissemination of offensive or false information, and intimidation.
Some clauses have been revised rather than removed. For example, provisions concerning hate speech or incitement to violence based on religion or ethnicity have been updated. Notably, cases involving freedom of expression are now bailable.
The ordinance also includes new provisions related to Artificial Intelligence—cybercrimes committed using AI will be considered criminal offenses.
Additionally, any individual who develops, operates, promotes, or participates in online gambling through portals, apps, or devices—or advertises or supports such activities—will face up to two years in prison, a fine of up to BDT 10 million (1 crore taka), or both.
