Highlights
- New telecom law proposes a permanent ban on internet shutdowns.
- The National Telecommunication Monitoring Center (NTMC) to be abolished.
- The law introduces “lawful interception” with strict court approval.
- Focus on citizens’ right to uninterrupted communication.
- Public feedback open until November 15, 2025.
A Major Reform in Digital Governance
The government has drafted a new telecom law to end arbitrary internet shutdowns and dissolve the NTMC, a move that marks a major shift in Bangladesh’s digital governance system.
The draft — titled Bangladesh Telecommunication Ordinance 2025 — was published on the Posts and Telecommunications Division’s website on November 4.
It clearly states that “no telecommunication connection, related service, or internet access shall be shut down, disrupted, or restricted under any circumstance.”
“নিজেই তৈরি করুন নিজের অনলাইন স্টোর — কোনো কোডিং জ্ঞান ছাড়াই!”
Ending Surveillance and Arbitrary Powers
Officials said the goal of the new law is to eliminate uncontrolled monitoring powers and ensure transparency in data use. The NTMC, which was often accused of facilitating illegal surveillance and enforced disappearances, will be officially scrapped.
A senior official involved in drafting the law told,
“The new ordinance removes the concept of surveillance altogether.”
The official explained that Section 97 of the previous law had been misused to justify excessive monitoring of citizens’ communications. Under the new law, no military or security agency will be allowed to intercept messages without legal authorization, and unauthorized interception will result in strict punishment.
Lawful Interception with Court Approval
Instead of broad surveillance, the new draft introduces the concept of “lawful interception” — meaning that communication data can only be accessed with court or council approval for a specific and justified reason, such as a criminal investigation, protection of lives, or national security.
Any intelligence-gathered data without judicial approval will not be accepted as evidence in court.
Expert Reaction: A Step Toward Digital Rights
Technology expert and Voice for Reform coordinator Fahim Mashroor praised the move to explicitly ban internet shutdowns.
“This is a positive step toward digital rights. However, the definition of lawful interception needs to be clearer. Court authorization should be mandatory for all interceptions to prevent misuse.”
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Public Feedback and Next Steps
The 102-section draft is now open for public comments until November 15, 2025.
Citizens can send their feedback to the Posts and Telecommunications Division by post or email.
After this period, the draft will go through a multi-stakeholder review and then be forwarded to the Legislative Division for vetting before Cabinet approval.
Ensuring Freedom to Communicate
Officials said the new law is designed to guarantee citizens’ right to uninterrupted communication and to replace the current system that allowed arbitrary shutdowns and mass surveillance.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
