Draft Telecommunication Ordinance Proposes 5-Year Jail, Tk99 Crore Fine For Spreading Communal Hatred Online
The ordinance also covers messages that are obscene, threatening, or harassing.
The interim government has unveiled the draft of the “Bangladesh Telecommunication (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025,” proposing tough penalties for the misuse of telecommunication devices and digital platforms.
According to the draft, anyone using telecommunication channels to spread religious or communal hatred, racial animosity, or content that threatens national security, public order, or the sovereignty of Bangladesh may face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to Tk99 crore, or both.
The ordinance also addresses obscene, threatening, or harassing messages. Those who propose to send or knowingly send such messages could face two to five years’ imprisonment, fines up to Tk1.5 crore, or up to three months in jail depending on the offense. Repeatedly making harassing or annoying phone calls could result in six months’ imprisonment or a Tk100,000 fine.
Telecommunication service providers that fail to follow regulatory directives related to these offenses could face the same penalties. The draft also references relevant provisions of existing cybersecurity laws.
The Post and Telecommunication Division has invited public feedback on the draft until 15 November, which can be sent via email to secretary@ptd.gov.bd or by post to the Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka.
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