Constructive criticism and politically motivated abuse are not same: Home Minister
Collected Photo
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said that constructive criticism and character assassination or abuse for political motives are not the same.
He made these comments on Sunday afternoon during a courtesy meeting with a delegation of International Republican Institute (IRI), at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
During the meeting held at the Ministry of Home Affairs, discussions centered around the proposed Cyber Security (Amendment) Act-2026, aimed at preventing cyberbullying, online harassment, and organized misinformation campaigns. The Home Minister assured that the government remains vigilant about ensuring freedom of expression while preventing any misuse of law.
Led by IRI Resident Program Director John Fluharty, the delegation included Member of Parliament Helen Zerin Khan, IRI Technical Advisor Ruksana Haq, young politician and IRI trainees Chamon Faria and Mohammad Prince.
The IRI Resident Program Director said that their ongoing initiatives focus on developing youth leadership and fostering violence-free political practices. He noted that Bangladeshi youth and political activists frequently face harassment and defamation due to cyberbullying and organized disinformation. He emphasized the need for a consensus-based policy and legal protection across both government and opposition parties to curb such harassment.
In response, the Home Minister said that the government is highly conscious of citizens' freedom of speech and personal security. Under Article 39 of the Constitution, every citizen has the right to freedom of expression and constructive criticism, subject to reasonable restrictions.
"Constructive criticism and character assassination or abuse for political motives are not the same," the Minister added.
The Home Minister informed IRI delegates that feedback has been actively gathered over the past two months from the international community, media personalities, senior editors, and civil society representatives to refine the proposed Cyber Security (Amendment) Act.
"Restoring decency in digital spaces, protecting women and youth from cyberbullying, and ensuring the professional safety of journalists are among the core objectives of this law. At the same time, top priority is being given to preventing any form of misuse," he said.
Salahuddin Ahmed also mentioned that the government warmly welcomes positive recommendations from both local and international stakeholders to strengthen digital security and foster a violence-free political environment.
Additional Secretary to the Political and Immigration Wing Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed, Joint Secretary of the Political-1 Sub-Division Rebeca Khan, and other officials concerned from the Ministry of Home Affairs were also present at the meeting.
