The interim government of Bangladesh is taking legal measures to ensure that no future administration can shut down internet services in the country, said Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, the chief advisor’s special assistant on posts, telecommunications, and ICT affairs.
In a briefing following the first day of the investment summit on Monday, Faiz addressed concerns raised by young entrepreneurs and investors about internet shutdowns. He clarified the government’s stance on the issue, noting that the chief advisor had issued clear instructions that internet access should never be suspended.
Reflecting on the lessons learned from the July Uprising, which saw widespread disruption due to an internet shutdown that negatively impacted freelancers, businesses, and even led to a downgrade in Bangladesh’s banking credit rating, Faiz emphasized the government’s commitment to never imposing an internet shutdown again.
To safeguard against any future disruptions, Faiz outlined four key steps the government is taking:
- Recognition of Internet Access as a Citizen’s Right: The interim government is planning to introduce a Cyber Safety Ordinance, which will include internet access as a recognized right for citizens. This is expected to be passed within the next week or two and is a response to demands from investors.
- Cancellation of the SOP for Shutdowns: The government is canceling the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that allowed the ministry to initiate internet shutdowns, ensuring that future administrations do not have such powers.
- New NGSO Guidelines: The government has introduced new non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) guidelines, formulated during the registration of Starlink, which do not provide provisions for internet shutdowns.
- Amendment of the Telecommunications Act: The 2001 Telecommunications Act, which previously gave the government the authority to shut down internet services, will be amended. The revised version will remove any legal provision that allows future administrations to suspend internet access.
Faiz assured the public that these measures aim to address the concerns of investors and business communities, with a clear focus on protecting internet access.
Personal Data Protection Law Draft Due in May
Faiz also addressed inquiries regarding the Personal Data Protection Act, confirming that a full draft of the law will be made public by May. He noted that the draft has already been shared with selected business communities, including the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) and financial law professionals, for feedback. The law will be updated based on their input, and a revised version of the draft will be available online by the end of April, with the final draft open for public consultation by May.
