Shahariar Islam Sovon :
Bangladesh is experiencing a surge in cybersecurity threats, leaving citizens increasingly vulnerable to cyberbullying, hacking, and cyberstalking. As the country’s digital landscape expands, critical gaps in its cybersecurity framework have been exposed, necessitating urgent action.
From 2020 to 2024, the rising number of cybercrimes has highlighted the need for robust cybersecurity infrastructure. Despite initiatives like the National Cyber Security Act, the situation remains dire, with inadequate safeguards for individuals and the nation’s digital systems.
Cyberbullying, particularly targeting women, is on the rise. Faiza Rahman, a university student, shared her ordeal with The New Nation, recounting how manipulated obscene images of her were circulated online after she rejected romantic proposals.
This harassment led her parents to halt her education and seek her early marriage to protect her from further disgrace. “My life has been destroyed,” she lamented. Her case is far from unique.
The Bangladesh Cybercrime Trend 2023 report by the Cybercrime Awareness Foundation (CAF) reveals that abusive posts and cyberbullying accounted for 52.21 per cent of reported online offenses in 2022.
Women constitute 70 per cent of cyberbullying victims, underscoring the gendered nature of online abuse.
Financial scams, particularly in online shopping, also saw a rise, affecting 14.64 per cent of victims in 2022.
These crimes have penetrated various socio-economic levels, reflecting the broadening scope of cybercrime in the country.
Despite the alarming rise in cybercrime, existing legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms fall short. The Cyber Security Act 2023 does not categorise cyberbullying as a cognizable offense, limiting law enforcement’s ability to act decisively.
Associate Professor Quazi Mahfujul Hoque Supan of Dhaka University’s Department of Law noted, “We lack skilled cyber police officers.
Without specialised personnel in every police station, justice for victims remains unattainable.” He stressed the need for targeted training programs to address these crimes effectively.
The cybersecurity issues extend to systemic vulnerabilities. Allegations have surfaced against ICT Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy and State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak for facilitating the sale of sensitive National Identity (NID) data.
Reports indicate that NID information was accessed and distributed to 182 organisations by Digicon Global Services Limited, compromising national and personal security.
Experts recommend a multi-pronged approach to address these challenges, including enhanced law enforcement training, stricter enforcement of laws, and a robust cybersecurity framework.
Public awareness campaigns targeting students and professionals are crucial to mitigating risks such as phishing and identity theft.
Bangladesh is at a critical juncture in its digital evolution. While initiatives like the National Cyber Security Act represent progress, the persistence of threats – from online harassment to systemic breaches – underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and coordinated action by both government and private sectors to ensure the safety and trust of its citizens in the digital sphere.
