Dhaka, May 22 -- Bangladesh's interim government has repealed the controversial Cyber Security Act, replacing it with a new Cyber Safety Ordinance that introduces offences related to artificial intelligence while eliminating many provisions previously criticised as suppressing free speech.

The new ordinance, gazetted on Wednesday by the law ministry, omits key sections of the 2023 law, including clauses that criminalised criticism of the Liberation War, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, or national symbols such as the flag and anthem.

Instead, it introduces new provisions addressing the misuse of AI tools or agents for hacking or other forms of cybercrime.

Notably, Section 2(La) affirms citizens' right to uninterrupted internet access...