In the middle of 2020, Roxana Akhtar, a garment worker residing in Mirpur, the capital city, was shocked to find that Tk 18,000, her three months’ worth of savings, had been withdrawn from her mobile banking account through unauthorized transactions. Despite never sharing her password or PIN with anyone, criminals had managed to clone her national identity card and mobile number, enabling them to exploit a “SIM swap” scheme to access her account and steal the money. Despite filing a complaint, she received no resolution. Regrettably, the number of individuals falling victim to such fraudulent activities has now surpassed one lakh nationwide.
Cybercrime has been on the rise in Bangladesh in recent years. Incidents such as social media scams, identity theft, phishing, ransomware attacks, and breaches into banking systems have become increasingly prevalent. Not too long ago, multiple government websites faced breaches, leading to the exposure of personal information belonging to hundreds of thousands of citizens. In 2023, reports surfaced that unauthorized disclosure of personal data from over five crore citizens occurred through a Bangladesh government website, marking one of the most significant data breaches in the nation’s history.
The lack of a robust cybersecurity infrastructure to keep pace with the rapid digital expansion poses a significant challenge. Many government and private entities are still reliant on outdated firewalls, weak encryption methods, and insufficient technical personnel. A review by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) in 2024 identified numerous loopholes and potential for misuse in existing cybersecurity protocols, rendering them ineffective in combating cybercrime.
The banking sector is particularly vulnerable. Despite the global attention drawn by the hacking of the Bangladesh Bank website in 2016, most banks have failed to implement substantial cybersecurity enhancements. According to a study by the Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM), 52 percent of the country’s banks are considered high-risk in terms of cybersecurity. Many institutions lack dedicated cybersecurity teams or conduct regular security assessments, making them easy targets for cyberattacks.
The severity of cybercrime is compounded by the lack of accountability. Despite a surge in cybercrime reports, most accused individuals are acquitted in court due to deficiencies in digital forensic capabilities, ineffective investigations, and legal complexities. The Cybersecurity Act of 2023, which replaced the Digital Security Act of 2018, remains contentious. Persistent issues such as vague crime definitions, investigative delays, and prolonged legal proceedings continue to plague the system.
The human toll of cybercrime is profound. Every compromised account and every instance of data theft represents a person—a victim facing financial losses, mental anguish, and a diminishing trust in digital platforms. Cybercrime does not discriminate, affecting urban professionals, expatriate workers, small business owners, and even school students. Women are particularly vulnerable to cyber harassment, image leaks, and online stalking, often without recourse to justice or guidance on where to report such incidents.
Addressing this challenge requires a national security approach to cybersecurity. A comprehensive framework integrating advanced technology, skilled professionals, and collaboration with non-governmental organizations is urgently needed. Public awareness campaigns are essential to educate citizens on secure practices such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, avoiding suspicious links, and responding cautiously to potential threats.
Introducing cybersecurity education from the secondary level can be pivotal in preventing cybercrimes, as many offenses are committed by young individuals. Teaching digital literacy and ethical technology use can deter incidents before they occur. Additionally, empowering cyber police units with autonomy and advanced tools, expediting case resolutions, recognizing digital evidence, and fostering international cooperation are crucial steps in combating cyber threats effectively.
While Bangladesh progresses towards digitalization, safeguarding citizens’ data, privacy, and digital rights is paramount. Without secure digital practices, the nation’s technological advancement may be compromised. Cybersecurity transcends technicalities—it embodies social responsibility and political dedication.
As Bangladesh navigates its digital evolution, vigilance is crucial to prevent mistrust and dangers in the digital sphere. Prioritizing cyber awareness, prevention, and justice is imperative for a secure digital future.