Jamaat MPs Raise Concerns Over Proposed Cybersecurity Law Amendments

Jamaat-e-Islami lawmakers have raised objections to proposed amendments to Bangladesh’s Cybersecurity Act, warning that the legislation could be used as a tool to suppress dissenting voices.

The party has recommended holding consultations with relevant stakeholders before making changes to the law. Information and Broadcasting Minister Andalib Rahman Partha, however, has supported retaining provisions aimed at curbing the growing culture of abusive language on social media.

Lawmakers also called for steps to modernize Bangladesh Television (BTV) and make its programming more relevant to contemporary audiences.

The issues were discussed at the first meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, held at the Jatiya Sangsad on Tuesday, according to sources familiar with the meeting.

The meeting was chaired by committee chairman Amanullah Aman. Among those attending were Information and Broadcasting Minister Andalib Rahman, State Minister Yaser Khan Chowdhury, and committee members Ashraf Uddin, Mostafizur Rahman Bablu, Mujibur Rahman, Nilufer Chowdhury Moni, Fahmida Haque, Shafiqul Islam Masud and Najmun Nahar.

Jamaat MP Warns Against Suppression of Dissent

According to sources, Jamaat MP Shafiqul Islam Masud raised concerns about the proposed amendments to the Cybersecurity Act.

He described the legislation as a potential instrument for restricting freedom of expression and said the previous Awami League government had also used the Cyber Security Act to suppress opposing views. He highlighted objections raised by various quarters to several provisions of the proposed amendments.

In response, Information and Broadcasting Minister Andalib Rahman defended the inclusion of provisions addressing abusive language.

He said a culture of verbal abuse had emerged in politics over the past two years and had subsequently become a trend on social media. Such language, he argued, is not acceptable in a civilized society and is not supported by the public. He also noted that abusive exchanges sometimes occur on television talk shows.

Masud later said he had conveyed his concerns about the Cybersecurity Act and urged the government to consult relevant stakeholders before amending it. He also called for stronger protection for journalists.

According to a statement issued by the Parliament Secretariat, participants agreed that the culture of political abuse that has emerged over the past two years is unacceptable. The meeting also expressed the view that the Cybersecurity Act could play an effective role in protecting people from such conduct.

The statement urged everyone to act responsibly from their respective positions to prevent misinformation and malicious campaigns on social media.

Lawmakers Call for a Modern BTV

The meeting also focused on the future of Bangladesh Television.

According to meeting sources, opposition lawmakers said BTV must not return to its former image of being outdated and irrelevant.

Masud recalled that Bangladesh’s younger generation had once mockingly referred to BTV as “Batabi Lebu,” or pomelo, reflecting its reputation for being old-fashioned and disconnected from contemporary audiences.

He said lawmakers from the ruling side had also expressed support for modernizing BTV and ensuring that it does not return to its previous state.

BNP MP Fahmida Haque said BTV’s programming should be acceptable to people regardless of their political affiliation.

She said the number of quality and entertaining programs should be increased and that BTV should no longer be used primarily as a government propaganda platform.

Calls for Neutral News and a Better Working Environment

Jamaat MP Najmun Nahar called for BTV to maintain neutrality in its news coverage.

She also urged the government to ensure a safe and supportive working environment for women journalists.

Meanwhile, a statement from the Parliament Secretariat said everyone has the right to freedom of expression and described the National Press Club as an important platform for journalists to exercise their professional and expressive freedoms.

The meeting also emphasized the need for necessary renovation and repairs at the National Press Club, including modernization and improvement of its auditorium.