Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has said the government will modernise existing laws, rules and policies under his ministry to address the rapid growth of digital technology and the expanding digital ecosystem.
Speaking at a meeting on legal reforms at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in Dhaka on Sunday, the minister said new legislation would also be introduced where necessary to respond to emerging technological challenges.
Swapon instructed officials to examine the legal frameworks of other countries and prepare practical recommendations tailored to Bangladesh's needs. He said digital technology had become deeply embedded in people's daily lives, communication and social interactions, bringing significant benefits while also creating new risks.
"While technology has brought immense benefits to people, it has also created new types of risks and challenges. Identifying these challenges and bringing them under an effective legal framework are now the need of the time," he said.
The minister said the ministry had already begun reviewing all existing laws, rules, regulations and policies under its jurisdiction. Officials have been tasked with identifying legislation that requires modernisation, areas where new laws are needed and any existing legal gaps.
Swapon noted that the ministry's responsibilities were once largely limited to print and broadcast media. However, the rapid expansion of digital platforms and the wider digital ecosystem had created numerous new forms of media that remain outside the scope of current legislation.
"It is, therefore, essential to modernise the country's legal framework in line with the changed realities," he said.
The minister said the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States had already introduced laws to regulate digital platforms and tackle technology-driven challenges. He instructed officials to study those legal frameworks and international experiences to help develop legislation suited to Bangladesh's circumstances.
He also stressed that regulating cyberspace, digital transmission and technology-based services would require coordinated efforts involving both the public and private sectors. In this regard, he called for consultations with relevant government agencies, technology experts and organisations involved in telecommunications and digital infrastructure.
Swapon further directed officials to identify emerging challenges promptly, define the responsibilities of relevant stakeholders and seek expert advice where necessary.
Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farzana, Additional Secretary Shah Alam, members of the ministry's legal panel and senior officials attended the meeting.
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