CYBERCRIME IN BANGLADESH: IMPLICATIONS AND RESPONSE STRATEGY

Abstract

Cybercrime is becoming a serious concern of the modern world. With the
spiralling technological advancements, more number of functions and services
are increasing their reliance on ICT-based networks. Such reliance in the
foreseeable future is likely to involve most of the socio-politico-economic, as well
as military affairs around the globe. Alarmingly, cyber criminals are creeping at
the heels of these technological advents and terrorising individuals, communities,
societies, organisations and states by hi-tech theft, forgery, defamation, sabotage,
propaganda and other malicious activities. The convenience of committing the
crime without being easily detected makes cyber criminals nearly invincible. While
the detrimental effect of cybercrime is more pronounced in developed countries,
the crime is still less evident in Bangladesh. There are, however, symptoms
popping up sporadically which allude to a potential threat that is likely to grow
along with the ‘Digital Bangladesh’. The awareness and preparedness of the
country in this regard is apparently dubious. This paper attempts to evaluate the
vulnerability and awareness of Bangladesh concerning cybercrime, and suggest
an outline strategy to deal with it. A conceptual overview, skimmed chiefly out
of published materials, is presented at the beginning. The vulnerabilities and
preparedness is then evaluated before recommending a response strategy to
fight cybercrime. The analysis is primarily based on personal experience and
interactions with the concerned elite.
The degree of awareness in this regard, and hence the preparedness, is minimal.
The country needs to immediately start building up and enhancing its capability
to deal with cybercrimes. Such efforts should include legislative, judicial and
executive aspects, and development of a holistic approach involving all technocrats,
administrators, users and beneficiaries of cyber facilities. Promulgation of relevant
laws and their effective enforcement; building awareness; acquiring technical
knowledge and capabilities, etc are also vital in this regard.