Bangladesh opposition leader says cyber law must not silence legitimate views

Bangladesh opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami ameer Shafiqur Rahman said Thursday he would oppose a proposed Cyber Security Act 2026 amendment if it was intended to silence legitimate public expression.

Speaking at a Jamaat seminar on Bangladesh’s Malaysian labor market, Shafiqur said he would resist laws restricting people’s right to express lawful views. He also called for dismantling what he described as a syndicate in recruiting workers for Malaysia and demanded transparency over the selection of about 25 master agencies.

Shafiqur cited reports that Tk 15-22 crore (approximately $1.22 million-$1.79 million) would be invested through the agencies and said workers often spend Tk 5-7 lakh (approximately $4,070-$5,700) to migrate.

He urged protections against exploitation and said Bangladesh should negotiate with Malaysia on terms similar to those sought by Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Indonesia.