Dhaka, Oct 10 (V7N) – The government of Bangladesh has amended the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025, effectively nullifying all cases previously filed under the now-repealed Digital Security Act, 2018. The amendment introduces a new clause in Section 50 of the ordinance, ensuring that all investigations, ongoing trials, and convictions under the specified sections of the Digital Security Act—covering offenses under Sections 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 31, as well as aiding and abetting related crimes—are officially canceled.
 
The decision was made at a meeting of the Advisory Council held at the Chief Adviser’s office in Tejgaon on Thursday, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. During the meeting, 11 ordinances and three proposals were approved, including the amendment to Section 50, which adds Subsection (4Ka). This new provision explicitly states that no further legal or investigative actions can be taken regarding the nullified cases, and all penalties, fines, or punishments previously imposed under these sections are considered void.
 
The Digital Security Act of 2018 was initially enacted to curb crimes in the digital realm but faced criticism over certain restrictive provisions. In 2023, partial amendments were introduced, which were later further refined by the interim government under the Cyber Security Ordinance.
 
Following the Advisory Council meeting, Special Assistant Foyez Ahmed Tayyab, in charge of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, addressed a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka. He confirmed that the amendment guarantees full legal relief for individuals previously convicted or under investigation under the Digital Security Act, effectively releasing them from all liability.
 
This legislative change is expected to reset the legal landscape for digital offenses in Bangladesh, offering a clean slate for those affected while establishing a revised framework for cyber governance and protection in the country.
 
END/SMA/AJ/