Terms and Conditions

Last updated: April 12th, 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to IReformBangladesh, a platform dedicated to facilitating democratic expression through petitions focused on government and development sector reforms in Bangladesh. By accessing or using our Website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by these Terms and Conditions ("Terms"). If you do not agree with these Terms, please do not use our Website.

2. Compliance with Bangladeshi Law

2.1 Legal Framework

This Website operates in accordance with the laws of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, including but not limited to:

• ● The Constitution of Bangladesh
• ● The Information and Communication Technology Act, 2006 (amended 2013)
• ● The Digital Security Act, 2018
• ● The Right to Information Act, 2009
• ● The Political Parties Registration Rules

2.2 Legal Restrictions

Users must ensure that all petitions and related content comply with Bangladeshi law. The Website prohibits content that:

• ● Undermines the sovereignty, unity, or security of Bangladesh
• ● Contains defamatory statements against individuals or institutions
• ● Promotes hatred or discrimination against any person or group
• ● May constitute contempt of court or prejudice on-going legal proceedings
• ● Violates the Official Secrets Act or other security legislation

3. User Registration and Account

3.1 Registration Requirements

To create or sign petitions, users must register by providing:

• ● Full legal name
• ● Valid email address
• ● Mobile Number
• ● Valid contact information

3.2 Account Verification

Users may be required to verify their identity through:

• ● Email verification
• ● Mobile SMS verification
• ● National ID verification (if applicable or necessary)

3.3 Account Responsibilities

Users are responsible for:

• ● Maintaining the confidentiality of their account credentials
• ● All activities conducted through their account
• ● Ensuring all provided information is accurate and current
• ● Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized account usage

4. Petition Creation and Content

4.1 Petition Guidelines

All petitions must:

• ● Present factually accurate information
• ● Clearly state the requested reforms
• ● Target appropriate governmental or developmental bodies
• ● Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
• ● Be written in Bengali, English, or both languages

4.2 Prohibited Content

Petitions may not contain:

• ● False or misleading information
• ● Content intended to harass or intimidate
• ● Language that incites violence or unlawful activity
• ● Content that threatens national security or public order
• ● Personal attacks against government officials (constructive criticism of policies is permitted)
• ● Anti-state propaganda as defined by Bangladeshi law

4.3 Moderation Process

All petitions are subject to review before publication. We reserve the right to:

• ● Reject petitions that violate these Terms
• ● Edit petitions for clarity or legal compliance with user consent
• ● Remove petitions that later become non-compliant
• ● Request verification of claims made in petitions

5. User Conduct

5.1 General Conduct

Users must:

• ● Interact respectfully with other users
• ● Refrain from spamming or excessive petition creation
• ● Not attempt to manipulate petition signatures
• ● Not impersonate others or create multiple accounts

5.2 Data Submission

When supporting petitions, users consent to:

• ● Having their name displayed as a signatory
• ● Providing required verification information
• ● Having their signature count toward petition totals

6. Privacy and Data Protection

6.1 Data Collection and Usage

We collect and process personal data in accordance with the Digital Security Act, 2018 and other applicable privacy laws. Data collected includes:

• ● Registration information
• ● Petition creation and signing activity
• ● Website usage statistics
• ● Communication preferences

6.2 Data Sharing

User data may be shared:

• ● With petition targets when petitions are delivered
• ● With government authorities when legally required
• ● In anonymized form for research purposes
• ● With service providers necessary for Website operation

6.3 Data Retention

We retain personal data:

• ● For as long as your account remains active
• ● As required to comply with legal obligations
• ● For a period necessary to resolve disputes
• ● For up to 5 years for petition records as required by law

7. Government Submission Process

7.1 Petition Delivery

When petitions reach their signature goal, we will:

• ● Format petitions according to governmental requirements
• ● Submit petitions to appropriate authorities
• ● Provide confirmation regarding submission to petition creators
• ● Track responses when possible

7.2 Legal Compliance in Submission

All petition submissions will comply with:

• ● Official procedures for citizen submissions to government bodies
• ● Documentation requirements as specified by relevant authorities
• ● Any waiting periods or timing restrictions

8. Intellectual Property

8.1 User Content License

By creating a petition, users grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to:

• ● Display the petition on our Website
• ● Distribute the petition to the target authorities
• ● Use the petition for advocacy related to its stated goals
• ● Archive the petition for historical record

8.2 Website Content

All Website content not submitted by users, including design, logos, and functionality, remains our property and may not be reproduced without permission.

9. Liability Limitations

9.1 User Responsibility

Users are solely responsible for:

• ● The content of petitions they create
• ● Legal consequences of their petition content
• ● Accuracy of information provided
• ● Compliance with all applicable laws

9.2 Website Disclaimers

We do not:

• ● Guarantee petition outcomes or government responses
• ● Endorse all viewpoints expressed in user petitions
• ● Accept liability for government actions or inactions
• ● Guarantee uninterrupted Website availability

10. Termination and Suspension

10.1 Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that:

• ● Violate these Terms
• ● Are subject to credible complaints
• ● Create petitions contrary to Bangladeshi law
• ● Attempt to manipulate the petition system

10.2 Appeal Process

Users whose accounts are suspended may:

• ● Request explanation for the suspension
• ● Submit evidence to contest the suspension
• ● Agree to remedial measures where applicable
• ● Appeal to designated Website administrators

11. Changes to Terms

11.1 Updates to Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time:

• ● With notice posted on the Website
• ● With email notifications for significant changes
• ● In compliance with Bangladeshi law governing electronic contracts
• ● With a 15-day notice period for material changes

11.2 Continued Use

Continued use of the Website following any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

12. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

12.1 Applicable Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Bangladesh.

12.2 Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these Terms or use of the Website shall be resolved:

• ● Initially through good-faith negotiation
• ● Through mediation if negotiation fails
• ● In the courts of Bangladesh if other methods fail
• ● According to Bangladeshi civil procedure

Last Updated: April 12th, 2025