IN THE age of digital connectivity, access to the internet is as vital as electricity and water. The constitutional reform commission鈥檚 proposal to enshrine internet access as a fundamental right represents a forward-thinking move to modernise the nation. As societies worldwide embrace digital economies, e-governance, and online communication, uninterrupted internet access has shifted from a luxury to a necessity. It is also essential in ensuring freedom of speech and expression in an increasingly interconnected world.
This proposal comes at a crucial moment, as Bangladesh reassesses its foundational principles in light of rapid technological progress and shifting societal demands. By embedding digital rights within the nation鈥檚 constitutional framework, the commission aims to establish legal safeguards against unwarranted restrictions on online access while fostering more inclusive and transparent governance. Recognising internet access as a fundamental right would align Bangladesh with global trends toward digital inclusivity and democratic participation.
Countries such as Finland and Estonia exemplify the benefits of legally guaranteed internet access. Finland ensures a minimum broadband speed for all citizens, using it to bridge the digital divide and strengthen digital democracy. Similarly, Estonia鈥檚 widespread internet accessibility, even in remote areas, has significantly contributed to socio-economic development. These examples highlight that securing internet access as a legal right not only promotes social justice but also drives economic growth. However, it is equally crucial to ensure equitable access, irrespective of socio-economic or geographic disparities.
For Bangladesh, formally recognising internet access as a fundamental right would yield numerous benefits. Firstly, it would strengthen democratic engagement by enabling citizens to participate in public discourse, access government services, and hold authorities accountable via digital platforms such as social media and online news portals. At a time when press censorship is raising concerns, a constitutional guarantee of internet access would help safeguard democratic values and act as a check on government overreach, empowering civil society as a force for transparency and accountability.
Secondly, in an increasingly digital global economy, secure and uninterrupted internet connectivity is essential for economic advancement. Reliable internet access facilitates entrepreneurship, allowing small businesses and start-ups to connect with global markets. In a country like Bangladesh, where much of the population is technologically adept, affordable internet access could unlock mass freelancing opportunities, particularly for women and those in rural areas. This would foster a more diverse and dynamic economy, providing equal employment opportunities.
Thirdly, constitutionally enshrining internet access would drive systemic advancements in technological governance and public-private investment. Legal recognition would oblige the state to ensure equitable, high-speed connectivity, necessitating policy and infrastructure reforms. Additionally, it would compel policymakers to prioritise cybersecurity measures, ensuring both economic resilience and user privacy.
Recognising internet access as a fundamental right is not merely about infrastructure 鈥� it is about upholding human dignity in the digital era. Unrestricted access to information is central to personal and collective empowerment, and denying it excludes citizens from modern civic participation. A constitutional guarantee would anchor governance in equity and inclusivity, dismantling exclusionary systems and integrating marginalised groups into broader social and economic networks. It would also reject outdated authoritarian controls in favour of technology-driven equality and innovation. Legal safeguards against digital exclusion would reinforce civic participation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration 鈥� cornerstones of progress in an interconnected world.
In conclusion, the proposal to enshrine internet access as a fundamental right is a visionary step towards addressing the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. Drawing on successful international models, this reform would ensure that every Bangladeshi, regardless of their background or location, can fully participate in the global digital community. However, recognition alone is not enough 鈥� policymakers must actively commit to implementing this right, ensuring that digital access serves as a vehicle for social justice, economic opportunity, and democratic renewal. Now is the time to turn vision into action, securing a future where technology is a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion.
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Md Ibrahim Khalilullah is vice-president of the Bangladesh Law Alliance.
