A delegation from the International Republican Institute (IRI) has called for a consensus policy and legal safeguards to protect youth and political activists across all parties from rampant cyberbullying and organised misinformation campaigns.
The call was made during a courtesy meeting with Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed in the Ministry of Home Affairs at Secretariat on Sunday afternoon, where detailed discussions were held on measures to prevent cybercrime and online bullying, alongside the proposed Cyber Security (Amendment) Act 2026.
The IRI delegation was led by Resident Programme Director John Fluharty. Other members present included lawmaker Helen Zerin Khan, IRI Technical Advisor Ruksana Haque, and young politicians and IRI trainees Chamon Faria and Mohammad Prince.
During the call, Fluharty briefed the home minister on IRI’s ongoing programmes focused on youth leadership development and violence-free political practice.
He noted that young people and political workers in Bangladesh are currently suffering harassment and character defamation due to cyberbullying and organised smear campaigns, urging a unified policy and legal protection covering both government and opposition parties.
In response, Salahuddin assured the delegation that the government is acutely conscious of citizens’ personal protection and freedom of speech.
Citing Article 39 of the Constitution, the home minister said every citizen has the right to freedom of expression and constructive criticism subject to reasonable restrictions.
“However, constructive criticism and character assassination or verbal abuse for political motives are not the same,” he stressed.
Salahuddin disclosed that over the past two months, feedback has been gathered from the international community, senior editors, media personalities, and civil society stakeholders to refine the proposed Cyber Security (Amendment) Act.
He explained that the core objectives of the legislation will be to restore decency in the digital space, protect women and youth from cyberbullying, and guarantee professional protection for journalists to prevent any misuse of the law.
Salahuddin affirmed that the government will warmly accept positive recommendations from local and international stakeholders to consolidate digital security and foster a violence-free political environment.
Ziauddin Ahmed, additional secretary of Political and Immigration Wing, and Rebeca Khan, joint secretary of Political-1 Branch, were among the Home Ministry officials present at the meeting.
