In Bangladesh, as the Law regarding Cyber Security Situations March 2026 (also called “Cyber Protection” or “CPO”), the newest legal framework addressing new threats from online activity by citizens or business’s against the Image & Reputation of Government Officials, and Redeeming Their Image and Reputable-Government Officials, was immediately implemented into law by an interim government on March 15, 2023, to replace two former quickly-to-fail laws (the current Cyber Security Law of 2023 and the Digital Security Act.
What Was Going On This Morning
In the last few weeks, a new wave of arrests has occurred as Bangladeshi authorities have begun to interpret the Cyber Protection Ordinance over the actions of individuals who have “Insulted” Government Officials, or have allegedly given “Misinformation”. Several arrests have occurred around Bangladesh, with at least four arrests in Dhaka, near Dhaka, or at Dhaka, including:
A.M. Hasan Nasim. He was an established and popular content creator on social media platforms, particularly on the basis of his humour, and was arrested after posting a comic depicting a scene about an exceptionally controversial comment made by a Member of Parliament from the government during the parliamentary session. Eventually, Hasan was able to post bail; however, his experience is evidence of how quickly you can move from satirising the online or in-person behaviour of the Government to a prison cell.
Key Legislation You Should Know
Ordinance on Cyber Protection 2025 refers to the new law that regulates how information can be managed on the web and prohibits the prior law’s repression of unlawful acts against others on the web. This means that there are still ways for companies to moderate and monitor their customers’ content online when they are controlling their users, so it is essential that the service provider does not conduct any of these actions outside of the protections provided in the new Regulation.
Regulation on Cyber Security 2026 includes a new section that enables digital offences to have a “fast track” trial option, especially if the offence is recorded or sent without proper permission.
The Agency on Cyber Security Agency has been created as a designated department within the Government to monitor the transmission of messages over the Internet, protect persons from dangerous or harmful online material, and to cooperate with the Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission to regulate telecommunications in Bangladesh.
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How Satirical and Political Cartoons Lead to Arrests in Bangladesh
When satirical cartoons and political cartoons are viewed in the country of Bangladesh, they can fall under the following categories for review on whether or not they should be prosecuted under the applicable laws in place today, related to:
- As an example of how political satire has been used in a criminal trial for blackmail against a member of Parliament.
- As a result of how many times in the past, those who have commented on religious figures or beliefs have been found to violate the code by using derogatory language or imagery.
- As a result of how high-ranking officials can be portrayed in the media in offensive ways that can result in a violation of the laws governing public figures, and as a result, diminish law and order.
Common Digital Offences and Penalties
Under the latest legal framework, the following actions are considered criminal offences:
| Offense | Potential Penalty |
| Unauthorized Video Dissemination | Up to 2 years’ imprisonment or a fine of ৳10 lakh (or both). |
| Cyber Fraud / Extortion | Up to 5 years’ imprisonment or a fine of ৳50 lakh (or both). |
| Content targeting women/children | Enhanced penalties of up to 5 years’ imprisonment and ৳20 lakh fine. |
| Defamation & Offensive Info | Arrests can be made without a warrant in urgent cases under Section 35 of the Act. |
Rights and Realities
Although the transitional government has stated it will uphold the “right to uninterrupted access to the internet” and conform local laws with international human rights legislation, there are still those within the human rights observer body who are sceptical about how these laws will be used against persons expressing legitimate forms of expression.
In addition to thoroughly examining the laws, when posting, you must know that under urgent circumstances, the National Cyber Security Agency has the authority to search and seize someone’s digital devices and make arrests without a warrant.
