Staff Correspondent: Fakir Mahbub Anam, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology as well as Science and Technology, stated that ensuring cybersecurity is essential for keeping government operations secure, uninterrupted, and citizen-friendly. To protect government data, Critical Information Infrastructure (CII), and digital services, it is necessary to focus on enhancing technical capabilities, fostering institutional coordination, developing a skilled workforce, and formulating effective policies.
He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of a two-day seminar titled “Cybersecurity and Data Protection”—held on Wednesday, November 10, at Hotel Pan Pacific Sonargaon in the capital—which was themed “Cybersecurity for Resilient Digital Government: Strategic Awareness for Policy-Makers, Senior Civil Servants, and Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) Leaders.”
The Minister stated that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh is advancing rapidly toward a digital transformation. From digital banking and mobile financial services to the ‘one citizen, one identity, one wallet’ concept—everything now relies on digital platforms. While this progress creates new opportunities, it has also increased the risk of cyber threats.
Highlighting three key priorities, the Minister stated, “To ensure the protection of the nation’s critical information infrastructure, cybersecurity must be given the highest priority from the very beginning of the design phase for infrastructure and technological systems. Security should not be viewed as an afterthought or an add-on, but rather as a fundamental component of infrastructure development.” He further noted that ensuring the protection of citizens’ personal and sensitive information is a primary prerequisite for building a digital state.
To this end, it is essential to develop and implement an effective data protection framework, while also fostering public trust and confidence in digital services. The Minister further stated that cybersecurity must be integrated into institutional planning, policymaking, and budgeting. In this regard, it is crucial to cultivate a skilled and trained workforce, enhance institutional capacity, and ensure effective leadership. Through coordinated efforts, a secure, reliable, and sustainable digital environment must be established.
The Minister stated, “We want to move away from a reactive approach and build a proactive cybersecurity culture. We will move forward by leveraging Estonia’s experience and fostering international cooperation.” He called upon the National Cybersecurity Agency to develop a clear roadmap for implementing the outcomes of the seminar and formally declared the seminar open.
Prime Minister’s Advisor Rehan Asif Asad stated that protecting digital sovereignty is as essential today as safeguarding geographical borders. To ensure cybersecurity, it is necessary to focus on infrastructural preparedness, the complete protection of citizens’ data, and the proper development of the younger generation’s talents.
The advisor further stated that cyber risks are constantly increasing due to artificial intelligence (AI). To counter cybercriminals, we must be equally prepared, matching their pace and utilizing modern technology. By effectively harnessing the talent of our youth—supported by the necessary tools and training—and by working in collaboration with international partners, we will be able to build a secure and stable digital ecosystem.
The event was presided over by Md. Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan, Secretary of the Information and Communication Technology Division. The welcome address was delivered by Nahid Sultana Mallick, Executive Director (Additional Secretary) of the Bangladesh Computer Council. Additionally, Ingrid Tunikurg, a representative from Estonia’s e-Governance Academy (eGA), delivered the opening remarks. A representative from the European Union delegation was also present at the event as a special guest.
The seminar will cover topics such as the national cybersecurity strategy, the landscape of cyber risks in Bangladesh, the operations of cybersecurity institutions and CERT/CSIRT, the protection of government networks, response to cyberattacks, post-disaster recovery, and the security of critical information infrastructure. During this two-day seminar, cybersecurity experts from Estonia will share their international experience and technical expertise. Additionally, an expert panel discussion will be held, covering topics such as cybersecurity oversight, cyber diplomacy, addressing misinformation and disinformation, and measures to strengthen Bangladesh’s cyber resilience. The seminar is expected to play a significant role in enhancing the strategic awareness of policymakers and senior government officials regarding cybersecurity, ensuring the security of government digital services, and building a coordinated capacity to address cyber risks at the national level.
This seminar has been organized under the European Union-funded project, ‘E-ffective Governance: Accelerating e-government and digital public services in Bangladesh.’ Participants include cybersecurity experts from home and abroad, policymakers, senior government officials, and personnel associated with critical information infrastructure.
