Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Asaduzzaman on Saturday said the proposed “Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedies Act” is in its final stage of preparation and is expected to be placed before the Cabinet shortly, with the government aiming to table the bill in the next session of parliament.

Speaking to reporters after the closing ceremony of a two-day Basic Mediation Training for Legal Professionals programme at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka, the Minister said the draft law has undergone inter-ministerial scrutiny, consultations with stakeholders and review by the Secretaries' Committee.

He said the government had announced during the first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad that the draft law would be further reviewed and refined before being placed in parliament. Following multiple rounds of consultations and assessments, the draft has now been finalised and is awaiting Cabinet approval.

On the proposed cyber law, the Minister said the government is working to formulate a modern and balanced legal framework that safeguards the constitutional right to freedom of expression while effectively addressing cybercrime, defamation, the spread of misinformation and the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies.

He said the government does not want to rush the process and will finalise the law only after further scrutiny and consultations with relevant stakeholders.

"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," he said.