Agu 02 (V7N) — Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Asaduzzaman on Saturday said the draft of the proposed "Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedies Act" is now in its final stage and is likely to be placed before the Cabinet soon. The government aims to table it in the next session of Parliament.
Speaking to reporters after the closing ceremony of a two-day Basic Mediation Training for Legal Professionals at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka, the minister said the draft has passed inter-ministerial vetting, stakeholder consultations and review by the Secretaries' Committee.
He recalled that during the first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, the government had announced that the draft would be further examined and improved before being brought to Parliament. After several rounds of consultations and evaluations, the draft has now been finalised and is awaiting Cabinet approval.
Regarding the proposed cyber law, the minister said the government is working to create a modern and balanced framework that will protect the constitutional right to freedom of expression while effectively tackling cybercrime, defamation, misinformation and the misuse of artificial intelligence and other technologies.
The government does not want to hasten the process and will finalise the law only after further scrutiny and stakeholder consultations, he said.
"The government does not intend to silence people or restrict freedom of expression. At the same time, it is committed to ensuring an effective legal framework to protect citizens' rights and reputations," Asaduzzaman added.
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