Cyber Security Act, 2023

Cyber Security Act, 2023
Jatiya Sangsad
Long title An Act to ensure digital security and to identify, prevent, suppress, and prosecute offences committed through digital devices.
Citation	Act No. 46 of 2023
Territorial extent	Bangladesh
Enacted by	Jatiya Sangsad
Enacted	13 September 2023
Assented to	13 September 2023
Commenced	13 September 2023
Repealed	21 May 2025
Administered by	Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology
Amends
Digital Security Act, 2018
Repealed by
Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025
Summary
The Act aimed to enhance digital security by addressing cyber crimes, replacing the Digital Security Act, 2018. It faced criticism for retaining controversial provisions that were seen as suppressing freedom of expression.
Status: Repealed

The Cyber Security Act, 2023 is a digital security law enacted in Bangladesh, replacing the Digital Security Act, 2018. ^{[1] [2] [3]} Amnesty International described it as a replication of the "draconian" Digital Security Act. ^[4]

History

The Cyber Security Act, 2023 was passed by the Parliament of Bangladesh in September 2023 with provisions for punishing those filing fake cases under the act. ^[5] It contains most of the provisions of Digital Security Act, 2018 and Section 57 of the Information and Communication Technology Act, 2006. ^[6] Amnesty International said it does not comply with "international human rights law". ^[7] The law renamed Digital Security Agency to Cyber Security Agency. ^[8]

Transparency International Bangladesh and Article 19 have been critical of the law and its impact on the citizens of Bangladesh. ^[9]

During the Quota reforms protests, the law was used to file cases against those posting negative posts about then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. ^[6] After the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services and Forum for Freedom of Expression Bangladesh called for the act to be repealed in August 2024. ^{[10] [11]}

On May 22, 2025, The interim government repealed the Cyber Security Act, 2023 and introduced the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025.

References

1. "Bangladesh: Government enacts Cybersecurity Act 2023". DataGuidance. 2024-03-04. Retrieved 2024-09-07.
2. Mahmud, Faisal. "Bangladesh to tone down 'draconian' digital security law". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-09-07.
3. "It's time to repeal Cyber Security Act - - observerbd.com". The Daily Observer. Retrieved 2024-09-07.
4. "Bangladesh: Government must remove draconian provisions from the Draft Cyber Security Act". Amnesty International. 2023-08-31. Retrieved 2024-09-07.
5. "Parliament passes Cyber Security Bill 2023". Dhaka Tribune . 13 September 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
6. "Restore freedom of expression in Bangladesh & repeal CSA". Amnesty International. 2024-08-08. Retrieved 2024-09-07.
7. "Bangladesh revised a digital security law. Is it really less severe?". Rest of World. 2023-09-20. Retrieved 2024-09-07.
8. "Overhaul the Cyber Security Agency to protect data". The Daily Star. 2023-12-01. Retrieved 2024-09-07.
9. "Govt must overhaul Cyber Security Act and then redraft rules". New Age. 15 June 2024. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
10. "Demand for repeal of Cyber Security Act". businesspostbd.com. Retrieved 2024-09-07.
11. "BASIS urges interim government to repeal Cyber Security Act". unb.com.bd. Retrieved 2024-09-07.