Dhaka: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today announced the government's plan to establish a comprehensive cyber security unit within the Bangladesh Police to enhance its capability in combating cybercrime. 'We are planning to establish a cyber security unit under the leadership of an additional IGP by utilising the expertise of police personnel with engineering, IT and computer science backgrounds,' he stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the announcement was made during the 21st meeting of the Governing Board of Bangladesh Police Staff College, held in its boardroom in Mirpur, Dhaka. Minister Ahmed highlighted that digital crime investigations and forensic analysis are currently conducted on an ad hoc basis through the Police Headquarters, DMP Cyber Unit, and Criminal Investigation Department (CID). 'But we feel the need for a permanent and coordinated structure,' he added.
The minister also noted that initiatives are underway to provide advanced training for police personnel alongside establishing the cyber security unit, aimed at strengthening the Bangladesh Police's capacity to tackle cybercrime. Emphasising the importance of training, he stressed the need for international-standard facilities to make master-trainer-level officers more effective.
'If necessary, trainers will be brought from abroad, or modern facilities will be developed to enhance the professional skills of officers,' Ahmed said, indicating that such measures would help prepare the police force to combat all forms of crime, including cyberspace offenses.
During the meeting, several key issues were discussed, including the MRT proposal for PSC land use, allocation of funds for overseas training, establishment of a 'Research and Innovation Centre' under the Bangladesh Police Staff College, and government approval of PSC regulations. The meeting also addressed the introduction of Master's courses in Forensic Science and Financial Crime and Governance, as well as plans for celebrating the silver jubilee of the Police Staff College.
The session was attended by high-ranking officials, including Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry and Vice Chairman of the Governing Board Manzur Morshed Chowdhury, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Md Quamruzzaman Chowdhury, and Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir, among others. Following the meeting, the home minister toured the Police Staff College campus.