B Mirror Desk: The government has published the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025, aimed at identifying, preventing, and prosecuting crimes in cyberspace to enhance cyber security. Dr. Md Rezaul Karim, spokesperson for the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, confirmed to BSS that the gazette was released on May 21 and the ordinance will take effect immediately.

Previously, on May 6, Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul indicated that the ordinance would be announced within the week following its review by the Ministry of Law Affairs. The 32-page gazette notes that the President is issuing the ordinance due to insufficient civil protection provisions in the Cyber Security Act, 2023, which led to potential abuse and violations of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression. With this ordinance, the previous Cyber Security Act is revoked. The law adviser also mentioned that the ordinance recognizes internet access as a civic right for the first time, prohibits online gambling, and classifies the repression and sexual harassment of children and women in cyberspace as criminal offenses. Additionally, the ordinance identifies the dissemination of content related to the repression and sexual harassment of women and children, as well as the incitement of religious hatred that promotes violence, as punishable offenses.

Notably, the use of artificial intelligence to commit crimes is recognized as an offense for the first time in South Asia, as stated by Dr. Asif Nazrul during a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy following a council of advisers meeting.