Bangladesh: Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025 (Ordinance No. 25 of 2025) enters into force

On 21 May 2025, the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025 (Ordinance No. 25 of 2025), which repealed the Cyber Security Act 2023, entered into force with its publication in the official Gazette. The aim of the policy is to ensure cyber security and the identification, prevention, and suppression of offences committed in cyberspace while protecting fundamental rights such as freedom of expression. The ordinance enshrines the National Cyber Security Agency and the National Cyber Security Council as responsible agencies for overseeing the protection of critical information infrastructure. The Ordinance allows the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, upon request, to remove or block data and information to prevent cyber threats. The Ordinance defines several offences including hacking, illegal access to digital devices, cyber gambling, fraud, and the publication of content related to sexual harassment or hate speech. The Ordinance removes a number of speech-related offences which were included in the Cyber Security Act. Furthermore, the ordinance outlines procedures for investigations, searches, and seizures, and sets specific timeframes for the judicial process to handle cyber-related crimes.