Bangladesh Defamation Laws: Civil & Criminal

Defamation in Bangladesh is both a criminal offence and a civil wrong. Section 499 of the Penal Code, 1860, defines defamation and Section 500 punishes it with simple imprisonment of up to two years, a fine, or both, while a civil action for damages exists in tort. A separate online-defamation offence existed under the Digital Security Act 2018 and then the Cyber Security Act 2023, but that provision was repealed when the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025, replaced the 2023 Act.

What counts as defamation in Bangladesh

Defamation in Bangladesh is defined by Section 499 of the Penal Code, 1860. A person defames another by making or publishing any imputation concerning that person, by words spoken or intended to be read, by signs, or by visible representations, intending to harm, or knowing or having reason to believe that the imputation will harm, the reputation of that person. The same definition supports a civil action in tort, where written or permanent defamation is libel and spoken defamation is slander. Courts have generally held that the claimant must show the statement was defamatory, that it identified or referred to them, and that it was published to at least one third person. Section 499 also contains explanations covering imputations against the dead, against a company or association, and statements expressed ironically.

Criminal defamation and penalties

Criminal defamation in Bangladesh is punished under Section 500 of the Penal Code, which provides that whoever defames another shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, with fine, or with both. Related provisions punish printing or engraving matter known to be defamatory (Section 501) and selling printed substance containing defamatory matter (Section 502), each carrying the same maximum penalty. Defamation under the Penal Code is generally a non-cognizable and bailable offence, and prosecution usually begins with a complaint by the aggrieved party rather than a police investigation. The offence is triable by a magistrate.

Watch out: Because defamation in Bangladesh is both criminal and civil, a single publication can trigger a Section 500 prosecution and a parallel civil damages suit at the same time.

The defences

Section 499 sets out ten exceptions that define when a statement is not defamation. The First Exception protects an imputation of any truth that the public good requires to be made or published, so truth alone is not enough without the public-good element. Other exceptions cover good-faith opinion about the conduct of public servants and public questions, fair reporting and comment on court proceedings, the merits of a case, and the public performance of those who submit their work to public judgment, as well as good-faith accusations to lawful authorities, statements made in good faith to protect one's own or another's interests, and good-faith cautions for the public good. In civil suits, courts have generally recognised justification (truth), fair comment on a matter of public interest, and privilege as defences.

Remedies and damages

In a civil defamation suit, the main remedy is damages, and a court may also grant an injunction restraining further publication. There is no statute that quantifies or caps civil defamation compensation in Bangladesh: courts have generally held that civil liability is determined on the principles of justice, equity, and good conscience inherited from English common law, with the amount fixed according to the harm to reputation and the circumstances of the case. In criminal proceedings under Section 500, the outcome is imprisonment, a fine, or both, rather than compensation to the complainant, though the criminal conviction can support a related civil claim.

Limitation period

A civil defamation suit in Bangladesh is subject to the Limitation Act, 1908, which sets time limits for different civil actions, and a claimant should bring a libel or slander suit promptly after publication. As of 2026, anyone considering a defamation claim should confirm the precise limitation period applicable to libel or slander under the Limitation Act before relying on it, because the period is short and runs from publication (or, for some slander, from when special damage results). Criminal complaints are subject to the limitation rules in the Code of Criminal Procedure, which depend on the maximum punishment for the offence.

Online defamation

Online defamation in Bangladesh has changed significantly. The Digital Security Act, 2018, created an online-defamation offence (its Section 29 tied to Penal Code Section 499) carrying up to three years' imprisonment or a fine. The Cyber Security Act, 2023, replaced the 2018 Act and softened that penalty to a fine. In May 2025, the interim government repealed the Cyber Security Act, 2023, and replaced it with the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025, which removed several speech offences, including the dedicated defamation provision. As a result, as of 2026 there is generally no separate cyber-defamation crime, and online defamation is pursued under the same Penal Code Sections 499 and 500 and the civil tort that apply to offline statements.

Watch out: Because the law on online speech in Bangladesh changed twice in recent years, the offence that applied to a post may depend on when it was published, and the current framework is the general Penal Code rather than a dedicated cyber-defamation section.

How a defamation claim is brought

A criminal defamation case in Bangladesh is generally initiated by the aggrieved person filing a complaint (a petition of complaint) before a Magistrate, who may examine the complainant and issue process against the accused if a case is made out, rather than by police filing charges. A civil defamation suit is filed in the appropriate civil court seeking damages or an injunction. Many parties begin with a legal notice demanding an apology, correction, or retraction before commencing proceedings. Because the dedicated online-defamation offence has been repealed, claimants pursuing internet defamation now rely on the same Penal Code and civil-tort routes used for print and spoken statements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is defamation a crime in Bangladesh?

Yes. Defamation is a criminal offence in Bangladesh under Sections 499 and 500 of the Penal Code, 1860, punishable by simple imprisonment of up to two years, a fine, or both. It is also a civil wrong, so a victim may also sue for damages.

What is the punishment for criminal defamation in Bangladesh?

Section 500 of the Penal Code provides simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, a fine, or both. Printing or selling matter known to be defamatory (Sections 501 and 502) carries the same maximum penalty.

Is online defamation still a separate crime in Bangladesh?

No. The dedicated online-defamation offence, which existed under the Digital Security Act 2018 and then the Cyber Security Act 2023, was repealed when the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025, took effect in May 2025. Online defamation is now generally pursued under Penal Code Sections 499 and 500 and the civil tort.

What happened to the Cyber Security Act 2023 in Bangladesh?

The Cyber Security Act, 2023, which had replaced the Digital Security Act, 2018, was itself repealed in May 2025 by the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025. The Ordinance removed several speech offences, including the defamation provision, and made speech-related offences bailable.

Is truth a defence to defamation in Bangladesh?

In a civil suit, truth (justification) is generally a complete defence. Under criminal Section 499, the First Exception protects a true imputation only where the public good requires it to be published, so a true but purely private revelation may not be protected.

How much can you sue for defamation in Bangladesh?

There is no statute that fixes or caps civil defamation damages in Bangladesh. Courts decide compensation on the principles of justice, equity, and good conscience inherited from English common law, based on the harm to reputation and the circumstances of the case.

What is the difference between libel and slander in Bangladesh?

In civil law, libel is defamation in a permanent form such as writing, and slander is spoken defamation. Criminal defamation under Penal Code Section 499 applies to both written and spoken imputations under a single definition.

Who can file a defamation case in Bangladesh?

Only the aggrieved person whose reputation was harmed can bring a defamation case. A criminal complaint is generally filed before a Magistrate rather than investigated by police, and a separate civil suit for damages can be filed in the civil courts.