Cyber Security Bill, 2023 placed in parliament

Cyber Security Bill, 2023 was placed in the Jatiya Sangsad here today in an amended form aiming to ensure security of the digitalization programme of every sector as the cyber security act will play significant role for constructing ‘Smart Bangladesh’.

State Minister for Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Zunaid Ahmed Palak placed the bill in the House with Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in the chair.

Earlier, the cabinet at its recent meeting gave the final approval to the draft of Cyber Security Act, 2023 which will replace the existing Digital Security Act.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina presided over the meeting at Prime Minister’s Office in the city.

“In the draft law, the offenses under four sections – 17, 19, 27 and 33, have been made non-bailable,” said the ICT state minister while placing the bill.

Replying to a query, he said the trial procedure of the ongoing cases filed under the Digital Security Act (DSA) will be run following the same law.

Citing different media reports including the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), opposition lawmaker Fakhrul Imam of Mymensingh-8 expressed concern over the draft act and said the bill has been placed only for changing its name but the matter of concern in the law would remain same in the proposed act.

Terming the proposed bill as liberal and futuristic, the ICT state minister said significant amendment has been brought to the proposed law and it is necessary for the future development of the country.

The ICT state minister urged the House to send the bill to the concerned parliamentary standing committee for providing report within five days. (BSS)