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Court Approval Proposed Before Arresting Journalists Under Cyber Protection Act Draft

Draft Cyber Security (Amendment) Act 2026 Incorporates Safeguards; Home Minister Salakhuddin Ahmad Confirms 15-Day Stakeholder Review Window

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National Desk

National Desk • 28 Sept • 2 min read

Court Approval Proposed Before Arresting Journalists Under Cyber Protection Act Draft
Home Minister Salakhuddin Ahmad addresses reporters at the Secretariat on proposed legal protections for journalists under the draft Cyber Security (Amendment) Act 2026.

The draft Cyber Security (Amendment) Act 2026 includes a proposed requirement for prior court approval before law enforcement can arrest any journalist, Home Minister Salakhuddin Ahmad announced on Monday.

Speaking to reporters following a high-level consultation meeting at the Secretariat with editors, senior journalists, and media association representatives, the Home Minister stated that the provision aims to prevent harassment, abuse of power, and victimization of news professionals. The draft amendment—previously presented to the Cabinet—was thrown open for public and stakeholder review across government portals, compiling feedback from civil society, human rights bodies, students, and IT experts. Following recommendations from Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, the government agreed to extend consultation, appointing the Principal Information Officer (PIO) as the focal point to coordinate inputs between the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of IT, editors' councils, and a panel of cyber security experts over the next 7 to 15 days. The Minister emphasized that the finalized draft will be published online again prior to Cabinet submission and subject to parliamentary committee scrutiny to ensure comprehensive protection for digital media, journalists, and citizens.

— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth

Reported by National Desk • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].

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