Emerging Data Protection Landscape in Bangladesh
Posted: Tue May 27, 2025 8:52 am
Lawful Basis for Processing: You need a legitimate reason to hold and use a number (e.g., consent, legitimate interest).
Explicit Consent: Unambiguous, affirmative consent for marketing.
Data Subject Rights: Individuals have rights to access, rectify, erase, and object to the processing of their data.
Data Minimization: Only collect what's necessary.
Data Security: Protect the list from breaches.
CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act - USA): Grants dataset similar rights to California residents, including the right to know what data is collected, to opt-out of its sale, and to request deletion.
Impact: Even if these specific laws don't directly apply, they set a global benchmark for best practices in data ethics. Adopting these principles generally puts you in a better position for other regulations.
2. Telemarketing and Unsolicited Communication Regulations:
"Do Not Call" Registries: Most countries maintain national "Do Not Call" (DNC) or "Do Not Disturb" (DND) registries. Before any outbound call, you must screen your leads number list against these registries. Failure to do so can lead to substantial fines per violation.
Calling Hours: Regulations often specify permissible hours for telemarketing calls (e.g., no calls before 9 AM or after 8 PM local time).
Caller ID Requirements: Rules often mandate that you display a valid, identifiable caller ID.
Automated Dialers (Robocalls): Stricter rules often apply to the use of automated dialers and pre-recorded messages, often requiring explicit prior consent.
3.
While comprehensive data protection legislation in Bangladesh similar to GDPR is still evolving, the focus on digital privacy and consumer rights is increasing.
Existing Framework: Aspects of privacy and data misuse may fall under existing laws like the Digital Security Act, 2018, or specific telecom regulations from the BTRC (Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission). These generally prohibit harassment via phone and unauthorized access/use of data.
Future Trends: Businesses should anticipate that Bangladesh will likely introduce more specific data protection laws that will require:
Explicit Consent: Unambiguous, affirmative consent for marketing.
Data Subject Rights: Individuals have rights to access, rectify, erase, and object to the processing of their data.
Data Minimization: Only collect what's necessary.
Data Security: Protect the list from breaches.
CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act - USA): Grants dataset similar rights to California residents, including the right to know what data is collected, to opt-out of its sale, and to request deletion.
Impact: Even if these specific laws don't directly apply, they set a global benchmark for best practices in data ethics. Adopting these principles generally puts you in a better position for other regulations.
2. Telemarketing and Unsolicited Communication Regulations:
"Do Not Call" Registries: Most countries maintain national "Do Not Call" (DNC) or "Do Not Disturb" (DND) registries. Before any outbound call, you must screen your leads number list against these registries. Failure to do so can lead to substantial fines per violation.
Calling Hours: Regulations often specify permissible hours for telemarketing calls (e.g., no calls before 9 AM or after 8 PM local time).
Caller ID Requirements: Rules often mandate that you display a valid, identifiable caller ID.
Automated Dialers (Robocalls): Stricter rules often apply to the use of automated dialers and pre-recorded messages, often requiring explicit prior consent.
3.
While comprehensive data protection legislation in Bangladesh similar to GDPR is still evolving, the focus on digital privacy and consumer rights is increasing.
Existing Framework: Aspects of privacy and data misuse may fall under existing laws like the Digital Security Act, 2018, or specific telecom regulations from the BTRC (Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission). These generally prohibit harassment via phone and unauthorized access/use of data.
Future Trends: Businesses should anticipate that Bangladesh will likely introduce more specific data protection laws that will require: