CA calls for enhanced cyber security ahead of polls
Staff Reporter :
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, who also serves as Chairman of the National Cyber Security Council, on Sunday stressed the need to significantly strengthen technological capacity ahead of the upcoming national election and to take firm action against all forms of cybercrime.
He instructed the National Cyber Security Agency to ensure strong and effective cyber security measures in preparation for the parliamentary election and referendum.
The directives were issued during a meeting of the National Cyber Security Council held at the State Guest House Jamuna, with Prof Yunus presiding.
The Chief Adviser noted that the government is gradually shifting all citizen services to digital platforms, with many services already being delivered online both domestically and internationally.
To keep these services secure and uninterrupted, he emphasized that robust cyber security is indispensable.
Professor Yunus directed authorities to prioritize sectors that provide essential citizen services.
He said institutions implementing cyber security measures must regularly update both software and hardware, while ensuring that relevant personnel receive advanced training to enhance their skills.
He further proposed bringing institutions and associated professionals under a performance rating system to allow easier assessment of cyber security readiness and overall effectiveness.
Prof Yunus also instructed the National Cyber Security Agency to work closely with the judiciary to ensure strict punishment for those involved in financial-sector cybercrimes.
At the meeting, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, informed that 35 institutions have already been designated as Critical Information Infrastructure and recommended expanding the list further.
He underscored the importance of close coordination between the National Cyber Security Agency and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to curb rumours, misinformation, disinformation, and other cyber-related threats during the election period.
Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur said a number of initiatives have already been implemented to reinforce cyber security in the banking sector, with additional measures currently underway.
He also appreciated the move to establish sector-based Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs).
Member Secretary of the National Cyber Security Council and Director General of the National Cyber Security Agency, Dr Md Tayebur Rahman, presented the agency’s ongoing activities and future plans through a PowerPoint presentation.
He also explained the newly developed “Cyber Incident Reporting and Response System,” which is designed to receive and process complaints related to cybercrimes.
Other participants at the meeting included Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, ICT Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam, and National Board of Revenue Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan.
Following the issuance of the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025 on May 21, the National Cyber Security Council was formed on August 26 under the amended ordinance to safeguard cyber security for both state institutions and citizens.