Dhaka, Jan 09 (V7N)- The Advisory Council, chaired by Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, on Thursday approved four ordinances at a meeting held at the Chief Advisor’s Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

The ordinances approved in principle are the Personal Data Protection Amendment Ordinance–2026, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Amendment Ordinance–2026, Supreme Court Secretariat Amendment Ordinance–2026, and the Bangladesh Forest Industries Development Corporation Ordinance–2026.

In addition, the Advisory Council granted policy approval to the Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC-3) prepared by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam disclosed the decisions while briefing reporters at the Foreign Service Academy following the meeting.

He said the Personal Data Protection Amendment Ordinance has revised provisions related to data localization in response to concerns raised by international technology companies. Under the amended ordinance, mandatory data storage within Bangladesh will apply only to critical information infrastructure. The ordinance also introduces flexibility for handling personal data and replaces imprisonment with financial penalties for corporate violations.

Expressing optimism, Shafiqul Alam said the amendments are expected to have a positive impact on foreign investment and cloud-based digital services in the country.

Regarding the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Amendment Ordinance, he said the number of departments has been increased to nine. Separate departments have been introduced for theater, film, photography, dance and performance art, music, fine arts, research and publication, new media, and cultural branding and festival production. The ordinance also ensures representation of marginalized communities on the academy’s board to promote cultural diversity and inclusion.

Explaining the Bangladesh Forest Industries Development Corporation Ordinance–2026, the press secretary said the updated framework replaces the 1959 ordinance, focusing on environmental conservation and sustainable use of forest resources. The new ordinance allows for product diversification, establishment of showrooms, and joint ventures.

He added that the corporation earned Tk 53 crore in pre-tax profit in the last fiscal year and achieved a Tk 6 crore profit in the rubber sector for the first time.

On NDC-3, Shafiqul Alam said Bangladesh’s greenhouse gas emissions stood at 202.04 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2022, which may rise to 418.40 million tons by 2035 if unchecked. Under NDC-3, the country has set a target to reduce emissions by 84.97 million tons, including 26.74 million tons through domestic capacity and 58.23 million tons subject to international assistance.

Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Sayedur Rahman and Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present at the briefing.

END/SMA/AJ