Two key amendment bills — the Narcotics Control (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2026 — were tabled in parliament on Saturday, proposing significant changes to the country’s drug control and cybersecurity frameworks.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed tabled the Narcotics Control amendment, while Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam presented the Cybersecurity amendment.
The Narcotics Control (Amendment) Bill proposes establishing separate tribunals for speedy trial of drug-related offences, granting Narcotics Control Department members the authority to use firearms, and forming dog squads.
The bill also seeks to recognise the department as a “specialised agency with uniformed and armed personnel,” with provisions for separate lockups, a cybercrime control branch, a digital forensic lab, a money laundering prevention cell, and awards for officials in recognition of merit and valour.
The Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill proposes to repeal Section 20 of the Cybersecurity Act, which deals with gambling in cyberspace. The government argues that since a separate “Gambling Prevention Act, 2026” is being formulated, retaining a separate provision on the same subject is unnecessary.
Both bills were sent to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs for scrutiny, with a directive to submit reports within three working days.
A brief discussion followed the tabling. When an MP attempted to raise an objection, Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal noted that under the rules, the scope for objection at the tabling stage is limited.
Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman said an MP wanted to speak from the perspective of his rights and responsibilities, but the Speaker’s rejection had not been clearly stated beforehand.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed clarified that the bill was only tabled, and members will have the opportunity to give their opinions during detailed scrutiny in the parliamentary committee.
