Govt Proposes 10-Year Jail Term for Online Disinformation

Just three months after passing the Cyber Protection Act 2026, the Bangladesh government plans to amend the law to introduce severe penalties for spreading online rumours and disinformation. Parliament is expected to pass the revised bill during its upcoming session.

The draft introduces Section 26A, making the publication of unverified rumours or intentional disinformation a punishable offence. Offenders could face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to Tk40 lakh or both. Policymakers argue these strict measures are essential to combat malicious social media campaigns, especially those utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to create fake videos audio and images.

The amendments also modify Section 25 to criminalise online "defamation" and "disparagement". General offences carry a maximum five-year sentence and a Tk20 lakh fine. However if the content targets a woman or a minor under 18 the penalty increases to a maximum of 10 years in prison or a Tk40 lakh fine. A senior Home Ministry official noted the changes aim to prevent character assassination of government officials politicians and professionals.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting alongside agencies like the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC) will enforce the new provisions.

Despite the government's security rationale the proposed amendments have sparked alarm among digital rights advocates. Tech experts and legal analysts including Digitally Right Managing Director Miraj Ahmed Chowdhury warn that the law risks widespread misuse.

Critics argue these changes mirror the controversial Digital Security Act of the former Awami League administration and could further damage Bangladesh’s ranking on global online freedom indices.