Dhaka:Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has unveiled plans to establish a dedicated Cyber Police Unit within the police force to address the growing issue of cybercrime.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the announcement was made during an inaugural program at the Hall of Pride, Police Headquarters in the capital. The specialized unit will be led by an additional inspector general of police and will consist of personnel skilled in engineering, information technology, and computer science.
The creation of this unit is a response to the increasing range of cybercrimes, such as online fraud, hacking, identity theft, and unauthorized access to digital accounts. The initiative aims to equip law enforcement agencies with the modern facilities and expertise needed to effectively tackle crimes committed via cyberspace.
Currently, cybercrime investigations and digital forensic examinations are handled by various police units, including the Police Headquarters, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Cyber Unit, and Criminal Investigation Department. A unified cyber security structure is deemed necessary to enhance coordination and improve the effectiveness of cybercrime investigations.
Additionally, the government is focusing on providing specialized training for police personnel to enhance their skills in investigating technology-based crimes. This includes advanced training opportunities both domestically and internationally, with the potential involvement of foreign experts for specialized instruction.
Police officers with academic backgrounds in information technology, computer science, and engineering are expected to significantly contribute to the force's cybercrime-fighting capabilities. Efforts are also underway to bolster digital forensic capabilities and improve facilities for specialized cybercrime investigations, according to officials. The new unit aims to create a more coordinated institutional framework for cybercrime investigation, digital forensics, and specialized training within the Bangladesh Police.