FE REPORT
The number of new types of cybercrime has more than doubled in 2023, accounting for 11.85 per cent of total crimes, according to a latest study.
The survey report has also revealed a decrease in cybercrime-affected children under 18 to 13.65 per cent, while nearly 78.78 per cent of victims are aged 18 to 30.
Additionally, nearly 59 per cent of the victims are women, it said, adding that the most common type of crime is social media and online account hacking, making up 21.65 per cent of cases.
The Cyber Crime Awareness Foundation (CCAF) unveiled the survey at a discussion titled "Cyber Crime Trends in Bangladesh - 2024" and "Smart Bangladesh: Challenges and Opportunities of Emerging Technologies" at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) in the capital on Saturday.
Experts and stakeholders also expressed concern over the rising number of cyber crimes at an alarming rate.
This rise in cybercrime not only causes personal and financial harms but also thrives on social taboos, which keep many incidents underreported, they opined.
Experts emphasised the importance of national cyber literacy and joint public-private initiatives to develop indigenous cyber solutions through training and skill development to maintain the country's cyber sovereignty.
A keynote paper was presented by CCAF advisor Engineer Md Mushfiqur Rahman, and the survey findings were presented by Obydullah Al Marjuk, senior lecturer of the Social Science and Humanities Department at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB).
The panel of discussants included Brig Gen Kazi Mustafizur Rahman, director general (Engineering and Operations) of the BTRC, Dr Imtiaz A Hussain, professor of the Global Studies and Governance (GSG) Department at IUB, Hussain Samad, consultant and lead researcher at the IDEA Foundation, Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Nazmus Saliheen, also treasurer of Bangladesh Women in Technology, and Ishtiaq Ahmed, additional deputy commissioner of Police at Counter Terrorism & Transnational Crime(CTTC) Unit of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police.
Presided over by CCAF president Kazi Mustafiz, the event was moderated by General Secretary Nurun Ashrafi. Other attendees included CCAF vice-president SM Imdadul Haque and training and research secretary Abdul Munayem Saikat.
The report also indicates a significant increase in pornography-related crimes in 2023 in the last five years, affecting 11.35 per cent of victims.
Nearly 47.72 per cent of victims suffer social disgrace, 40.15 per cent of victims experience financial losses, and nearly all endure mental anguish.
Only 12 per cent sought legal recourse, with 81.25 per cent filing general diaries and 18.75 per cent submitting written complaints, according to the survey. Based on the experiences of 132 self-motivated victims, the CCAF conducted the study.
At the discussion, the organisation also made several recommendations to curb such crimes in the country.
Among some other recommendations, the CCAF called for implement regular public awareness programmes through coordinated efforts between government and private sectors.
It also suggested providing advanced training for law enforcement personnel and investigators involved in cybercrime cases. The CCAF also suggested educating citizens about current laws related to cyber crimes.
Addressing the function, Ishtiaq Ahmed said, "Although all sections, except four in the Cyber Security Act 2013, fall under the category of hacking, they are bailable, making it difficult to bring many offenders to justice."
Delayed complaints from victims also make it challenging to provide legal protection, he said, adding: "Child pornography is increasing, mainly through social media, which is alarming."
"Online gambling often conceals money laundering, making it hard to detect. A significant threat is imminent in the core banking sector," Barrister Nazmus Saliheen said.
In his speech, Hussain Samad said, "The expressway for Digital Bangladesh has been built. Now, we need to use it efficiently. However, 70 per cent of cyber attacks in the country occur due to a lack of personal awareness. Therefore, there is no alternative to everyone becoming aware."
Speaking on the occasion, Mustafizur Rahman said, "The more we can increase individual awareness, the more we can reduce cyber crimes. The responsibility of awareness must be collectively shared by everyone."
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