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The government has launched an initiative to modernise laws governing the information and broadcasting sector to address the rapid growth of digital technology and the expanding digital ecosystem.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon announced the move while chairing a meeting on reviewing existing laws and drafting new legislation at the ministry on Sunday.
He said all existing laws, rules and policies under the ministry’s jurisdiction will be updated to reflect technological changes, while new legislation will be introduced where necessary.
“The legal framework must keep pace with the realities created by digital transformation,” the minister said, directing officials to study regulatory models adopted by countries such as the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States before preparing recommendations suited to Bangladesh.
Swapon said digital technology has become an integral part of daily life, bringing significant benefits as well as new risks and challenges that require effective legal oversight.
He noted that the ministry has already begun reviewing its existing legal framework to identify outdated provisions, legal gaps and areas requiring new legislation.
The minister observed that while the ministry’s regulatory focus had traditionally been limited to print and broadcast media, the rapid expansion of digital platforms has created new forms of media that remain largely outside the scope of existing laws.
He also stressed the need for coordinated efforts involving government agencies, technology experts, telecommunications authorities and private stakeholders to develop a modern and effective regulatory framework for cyberspace, digital transmission and other technology-based services.
Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farzana, Additional Secretary Shah Alam, members of the ministry’s legal panel and other senior officials attended the meeting.
