ICT Minister Calls for Strengthening Cyber security to Ensure Government Resilience and Protect Citizens’ Data

ICT News / The legalvoice24 Media:

Dhaka, 10 November:
Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Science and Technology Faqir Mahbub Anam said that ensuring cyber security is essential to keeping government operations secure, uninterrupted and citizen-friendly. Emphasizing the need to protect government data, Critical Information Infrastructure and digital services, he underscored the importance of strengthening technological capabilities alongside institutional coordination, skilled human resources and effective policy frameworks.

The Minister made these remarks while speaking as the Chief Guest at the inaugural ceremony of a two-day seminar titled ‘Cyber security and Data Protection’ at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital today. The seminar is being held under the theme ‘Cyber security for Resilient Digital Government: Strategic Awareness for Policy-Makers, Senior Civil Servants, and Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) Leaders’.

The Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh is advancing rapidly towards digital transformation. From digital banking and mobile financial services to the concept of ‘One Citizen, One Identity, One Wallet” all increasingly depend on digital platforms. While this progress is creating new opportunities, it is also exposing the country to growing cyber threats.

Highlighting three key priorities, the Minister said, Cyber security must be given the highest priority from the very beginning of the design and development of our Critical Information Infrastructure. Security should not be treated as an additional feature to be incorporated later; rather, it must be considered a fundamental component of infrastructure development.

He said that protecting citizens’ personal and sensitive information is one of the foremost prerequisites for building a digital state. To this end, an effective data protection framework must be developed and implemented while ensuring public trust and confidence in digital services.

The Minister further said that cyber security must become an integral part of institutional planning, policymaking and budgeting. Building a skilled and trained workforce, strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring effective leadership are essential in this regard. Through coordinated efforts, Bangladesh must establish a secure, reliable and sustainable digital environment.

‘We want to move beyond a reactive approach and develop a preventive cyber security culture. We will move forward by drawing on Estonia’s experience and strengthening international cooperation,’ he added.

Prime Minister’s Adviser Rehan Asif Asad said that protecting digital sovereignty has become as essential as safeguarding geographical boundaries. He emphasized the need for infrastructure preparedness, complete protection of citizens’ data and ensuring the proper development of the talents and capabilities of the younger generation.

The Adviser also observed that cyber risks are increasing continuously with the advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI). To counter cybercriminals effectively, Bangladesh must be equally prepared with modern technologies and at the same pace. He expressed confidence that the country would be able to build a secure and resilient digital system through the effective utilization of young people’s talents, supported by necessary tools and training, and through close cooperation with international partners.

The seminar was chaired by Secretary of the ICT Division Md. Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan. Executive Director of the Bangladesh Computer Council Nahid Sultana Mallik delivered the welcome address. Ingrid Toonekurg representative of Estonia’s e-Governance Academy (eGA), delivered the introductory remarks. A representative of the Delegation of the European Union also attended the event as a special guest.

The seminar will cover a wide range of issues, including the National Cyber security Strategy, Bangladesh’s cyber risk landscape, the roles and activities of cyber security institutions and CERT/CSIRT, government network security, cyber incident response, disaster recovery and the protection of Critical Information Infrastructure.

Over the two-day seminar, cyber security experts from Estonia will share international experiences and technical knowledge. Expert panel discussions will also focus on cyber security oversight, cyber diplomacy, combating misinformation and disinformation, and measures to strengthen Bangladesh’s cyber resilience.

The seminar was organized under the European Union-funded project “E-ffective Governance: Accelerating e-government and digital public services in Bangladesh.” Cyber security experts from home and abroad, policymakers, senior government officials and representatives of organizations associated with Critical Information Infrastructure are participating in the event.