The Bangladesh government has drafted a new telecommunications law proposing a permanent ban on internet shutdowns and the dissolution of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center (NTMC), marking a major shift in the country’s digital governance landscape.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Ordinance 2025, published on November 4 on the Posts and Telecommunications Division’s website, explicitly states that “no telecommunication connection, related service, or internet access shall be shut down, disrupted, or restricted under any circumstance.”
Officials say the initiative aims to end arbitrary surveillance and censorship powers long criticized by civil society and human rights groups. The NTMC — frequently accused of enabling unlawful monitoring — will be abolished once the new law takes effect.
A senior government official involved in drafting the ordinance said the new framework “removes the concept of surveillance altogether.” Instead, it introduces a “lawful interception” system, allowing limited access to communications only with prior judicial approval in cases involving specific crimes or national security threats.
Under the proposed law, any unauthorized interception of private communications will carry strict legal penalties, and data obtained without judicial authorization will no longer be admissible in court.
Technology expert Fahim Mashroor, coordinator of Voice for Reform, welcomed the initiative as “a positive step toward digital rights,” while urging clearer definitions and stronger judicial oversight.
The 102-section draft ordinance will remain open for public consultation until November 15. After the feedback phase, it will proceed through multi-stakeholder discussions, the Legislative Division, and finally, the Cabinet for approval.
Officials described the reform as part of a broader effort to protect citizens’ right to uninterrupted communication and promote transparency in digital governance.
“The state that once monitored citizens now wants to guarantee their freedom to communicate,” said one official involved in the process.
