Dhaka:Prime Minister's Adviser on Public Administration, Md. Ismail Zabihullah, emphasized the importance of cybersecurity as a strategic priority for national security, asserting that it extends beyond just a technological issue.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Zabihullah highlighted the necessity for long-term planning and effective policies to safeguard critical information infrastructure, citizens' personal data, and national interests. These remarks were made during his chairmanship of a panel discussion titled 'Cyber Resilience for Bangladesh Priorities and Actions' at a seminar on 'Cybersecurity and Data Protection,' organized by the ICT Division at Hotel Pan Pacific Sonargaon in the capital.
Zabihullah pointed out that Bangladesh's increasing reliance on digital services, with approximately 138 million internet users and 122 million mobile phone users, has heightened cybersecurity risks. He cited the Bangladesh Bank reserve heist as an example of the nation's vulnerabilities and advocated for urgent measures to secure National Identity Card (NID) information and prevent phishing, hacking, and financial fraud.
Furthermore, Zabihullah stressed the importance of developing domestic digital platforms for sensitive government operations, enhancing digital forensic capabilities, and boosting international cooperation to tackle cybercrime. He also emphasized that surveillance technology should not be used to oppress citizens and must remain under government supervision and accountability.
On the topic of artificial intelligence, Zabihullah underscored the need to balance technological progress with job creation, especially in light of the government's goal to generate five lakh jobs for young people over the next five years. He called for coordinated efforts from government agencies, the private sector, academia, law enforcement, and international partners to establish a secure and inclusive digital ecosystem.
The seminar was part of an EU-funded project aimed at accelerating e-government and digital public services in Bangladesh, and it was attended by senior government officials, cybersecurity experts, academics, and industry representatives.