At the Digital Rights Asia-Pacific Bangladesh National Conference 2026, participants warned that recently passed digital laws in Bangladesh continue to pose risks to freedom of expression and personal privacy. Speakers at a press conference held Tuesday at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center said the laws were passed hastily without stakeholder consultation and retained provisions enabling extensive digital surveillance.

Transparency International Bangladesh Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman stated that the new laws contain inconsistencies and contradict both the spirit of July’s ideals and the ruling party’s election pledges. UNESCO’s Head of Representative in Bangladesh, Susan Vize, urged the government to review the laws to strengthen human rights protections. Additional Secretary Muhammad Anwar Uddin from the ICT Ministry defended the laws as necessary and said improvements are underway.

Representatives from Meta, Telenor Asia, and BTRC discussed implications for data management, telecommunications oversight, and trust in policymaking. The conference also featured a panel on artificial intelligence governance, emphasizing the need for meaningful dialogue in developing AI policies.