Just three months after its passage, the Cyber Security Act is set to be amended once again. The proposed amendment seeks to expand the scope of offenses related to “rumors,” “misinformation,” “defamation,” and “disparagement,” while also introducing tougher penalties.According to sources at the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Information and Communication Technology Division, the amended bill is expected to be placed before Parliament during its next session.Under the draft amendment, publishing or spreading rumors or misinformation in cyberspace will be recognized as a new criminal offense. The proposed punishment includes up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to Tk 4 million, or both.The proposal also seeks to involve the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and other government-authorized agencies, alongside law enforcement agencies, in implementing the law.
