Home minister says cyber law changes won`t target journalists

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said the proposed amendments to the Cyber Security Act 2026 are intended to protect people across society and should not unfairly target journalists, speaking at a stakeholder consultation in Dhaka on Monday.

Salahuddin said a proposal had been made to require prior court approval before legal action is taken against journalists from print, electronic or online media. Moreover, he said a specific time limit would be set for resolving appeals so that cases do not remain pending indefinitely.

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The minister said stakeholder recommendations are expected within seven to 15 days, after which the government will publish the draft online for further public feedback before sending it through the inter-ministerial and Cabinet processes. Meanwhile, he said political parties, media representatives, editors, cyber experts and other stakeholders would be consulted before the bill is placed before Parliament.