Diplomatic Desk:
A delegation from the International Republican Institute (IRI) paid a courtesy call on Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed at his office in the Ministry of Home Affairs at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Sunday afternoon (September 13, 2026).
Led by IRI Resident Program Director John Fluharty, the delegation included Member of Parliament Helen Jerin Khan, IRI Technical Advisor Ruksana Huq, and young politicians and IRI trainees Chamon Faria and Mohammad Prince.
The meeting featured detailed discussions on preventing cybercrime and online bullying, as well as the proposed Cyber Protection (Amendment) Act, 2026.
During the meeting, the IRI Resident Program Director briefed the Home Minister on their ongoing programs regarding youth leadership development and violence-free political practices. He noted that the youth and political activists in Bangladesh are currently facing harassment and defamation due to cyberbullying and organized disinformation campaigns. He called for a consensus-based policy and legal protections involving both the government and opposition parties in this regard.
Assuring the delegation, the Home Minister stated that the government is deeply conscious of citizens’ freedom of speech and personal safety. He said, “Under Article 39 of the Constitution, every citizen has the right to freedom of expression and constructive criticism, subject to reasonable restrictions. However, constructive criticism is not the same as character assassination or verbal abuse for political motives.”
Salahuddin Ahmed mentioned that for the past two months, opinions have been sought from the international community, media personalities, senior editors, and civil society stakeholders to refine the proposed Cyber Protection (Amendment) Act. The primary objective of the law will be to restore decency in the digital space, protect women and the youth from cyberbullying, and simultaneously ensure professional safeguards for journalists to prevent any misuse of the law. The Minister stated that the government would warmly welcome constructive suggestions from international and local stakeholders to ensure a violence-free political environment and strengthen digital security.
Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed, Additional Secretary of the Political and Immigration Wing of the Ministry of Home Affairs, and Rebeca Khan, Joint Secretary of the Political-1 Branch, among others, were present at the meeting.
