The Global Network Initiative (GNI) is pleased to publish our latest policy brief, “Why Independent Regulation Matters for Bangladesh’s Digital Future: Proposed Way Forward to Protect Users’ Rights.”
Read the Policy Brief
As Bangladesh implements a new generation of digital laws—including the Cyber Protection Act, Personal Data Protection Act, National Data Management Act, and amendments to the Telecommunication Act—the brief examines the critical role of independent, transparent, and participatory regulation in protecting user rights, building public trust, and providing regulatory certainty for businesses, investors, and innovators.
Drawing on two decades of experience engaging with governments on international human rights frameworks and industry best practices, as well as extensive engagements with local stakeholders over the last two years, GNI’s brief highlights that how regulations are developed and enforced is as important as their substance. It emphasizes moving beyond centralized, top-down approaches toward better regulation that is independently and responsibly administered.
The brief outlines five practical priorities for digital governance reform:
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Distinguishing national policy-setting from independent implementation, allowing regulatory bodies like the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and the National Cyber Security Agency to operate without political or administrative influence.
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Establishing clear arrangements for appointment, tenure, removal, and financing to insulate regulators from external pressure, alongside proactive public disclosure, annual audit reports, and human rights due diligence assessments.
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Equipping regulators with adequate technical expertise and resources while leveraging a full spectrum of oversight tools, including co-regulation, industry self-regulation, and independent multistakeholder benchmarks.
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Publishing digital legislation and policies with sufficient time for ongoing, inclusive, and iterative consultation, accompanied by published summaries of feedback and justifications for regulatory decisions.
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Mandating independent assessments of regulatory impacts on the economy, technology, competition, privacy, and human rights, while ensuring decisions affecting fundamental rights carry clear legal thresholds, written reasons, and accessible mechanisms for judicial review.
GNI has shared these recommendations directly with relevant government and regulatory stakeholders in Bangladesh to support ongoing constructive dialogue surrounding the country’s digital legal framework. GNI stands ready to share its global experience, convene technical expertise, and support efforts to develop an effective, rights-respecting regulatory environment.
About the Global Network Initiative (GNI)
GNI is the leading multistakeholder organization for accountability, shared learning, and collective advocacy on government and company policies and practices at the intersection of technology and human rights. Founded in 2008, GNI is a trusted forum for more than 120 members in our tech company, NGO, academic, and investor constituencies spread across six continents – including organizations active in Bangladesh, such as Google, Meta, Telenor, Cloudflare, Tech Global Institute, and Digitally Right Limited. Over the last several years, GNI has reviewed, commented on, and helped shape a range of “online safety” bills, data protection laws, and intermediary liability laws across several jurisdictions.