The use of digital technology is gradually gaining popularity in Bangladesh, bringing new dimensions to people's lifestyles. However, with the expansion of this technology comes an increase in online fraud, resulting in thousands of people being cheated every day and fraudsters stealing money as well as personal sensitive information.
Bangladesh is rapidly advancing on course of digitisation, with the online trade or e-commerce on the rise. While people are now enjoying the convenience of shopping from home and accessing various services online, surveillance does not keep pace with the growth of e-commerce.
Fraudsters are luring people with promises of online income, targeting individuals from various professions, including businessmen, youth, and students, and causing significant financial losses. For instance, on February 15, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested three individuals involved in a fraud scheme that resulted in the theft of about Tk 1.0 billion through a website.
Law enforcement agencies have made efforts to combat cybercrime and arrested many fraudsters. However, the prevalence of fraud persists, highlighting the need for a more proactive approach to combating cybercrime and expanding IT facilities. Establishing a strong cyber squad and increasing public awareness are crucial steps to addressing cybercrime. Individuals should exercise caution and take help from relevant authorities before making online investments. To that end, a separate 'cybercrime security' wing with the power to enquire about the bona fides of entrepreneurs has to be established.
Mamun Abdullah,
Banasree, Dhaka