The National Editors Council (NEC) has called for the withdrawal of several provisions from the proposed Cyber Security Act 2026, warning that they could be misused to undermine press freedom and freedom of expression.

In a letter to Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, signed by Amar Desh Editor and NEC General Secretary Mahmudur Rahman, the council demanded the removal of provisions concerning the dissemination of rumours and misinformation in cyberspace, the suspension or cancellation of company registrations, and the trial of cybercrime cases through mobile courts.

The NEC also called for safeguards to protect journalists from legal action for performing their professional duties, saying judicial authorisation should be mandatory before any such action is taken under the law.

The recommendations came after the government organised a consultative meeting with media representatives on the proposed legislation.

The council said Bangladesh needed a cybersecurity law in the era of rapid technological advancement, but it must protect both the state and its citizens while safeguarding civil rights, including freedom of expression.

It recommended that powers under the law be restricted to regular law enforcement agencies and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, arguing that no other government-authorised agency or force should be vested with such authority.

On the removal or blocking of online information, the NEC called for mandatory approval from the relevant tribunal or court to ensure transparency and limit the scope for abuse.

The council strongly opposed the inclusion of defamation provisions in the proposed law, noting that the Penal Code already contains provisions under which victims can seek legal redress in court.

It also urged the government to define cyberbullying precisely and clearly to prevent the provision from being misused.

The NEC demanded the withdrawal of Section 26(a), which deals with the dissemination of rumours and misinformation in cyberspace, arguing that it could be used against press freedom.

The council further demanded the withdrawal of Section 29, which proposes allowing the suspension, cancellation or prohibition of a company's registration. Warning that the provision could be exploited by governments to shut down media outlets, as happened under the previous fascist regime, the NEC said financial penalties could be retained as an alternative.

Emphasising the need to protect journalism and legitimate expression from the misuse of the law, the council called for explicit safeguards in the legislation.

The NEC also called for a provision requiring prior judicial approval before any action is taken against a journalist under the Cyber Security Act for performing their professional duties.

It also opposed the proposed provision allowing cybercrime cases to be tried through mobile courts, demanding its abolition.

The NEC expressed hope that the government formed through the election held in the wake of the July Revolution would not enact any law that could undermine media freedom or the people's right to freedom of expression.