A security bulwark is being built around Bangladesh's burgeoning digital activity under a Tk 6.7-billion project to ensure cybersecurity against threats, hacks and heists, officials say.
The Information and Communication Technology Division (ICTD) under the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology has initiated the project to bolster national cybersecurity infrastructure, they say.
The ICTD recently submitted a Preliminary Development Project Proposal (PDPP) to the Planning Commission for policy approval to secure support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for conducting a feasibility study and to mobilise $55 million in project financing.
The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) will implement the project titled 'Strengthening Capacity of National Cyber Security Agency' during July 2026-June 2029.
"The main aim of the project is to operationalise the Cyber Security Ordinance by developing a comprehensive national cybersecurity ecosystem," says a senior official of Socio Economic Infrastructure Division of the Planning Commission.
The proposal includes establishment of core infrastructure such as a National Security Operations Centre (NSOC), National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT) and Network Operations Centres (NOCs) in 35 Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) institutions and across 64 districts, reveals the PDPP.
The project also plans to establish a National Digital Forensic Laboratory, a Cyber Security Training Centre and an AI-based cybersecurity helpline automation system.
Officials at the ICTD have said the project is necessary due to a rapid expansion of digital services, financial technology and communications networks, which have increased exposure to cyber-threats.
Despite regulatory frameworks such as the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025, the country's institutional preparedness, technical manpower, forensic capability and integrated cyber-monitoring systems remain limited, they added.
The project will also support development of skilled cybersecurity manpower through advanced training and international certification programmes, the proposal states.
Nationwide cyber-awareness and capacity-building programmes are also proposed through engagement of cyber- volunteers at district and upazila levels, along with cyber-drills, research and policy-development activities.
The total estimated project cost is Tk 6.70 billion, equivalent to around $55 million. However, the final cost may change after completion of a mandatory feasibility study.
The government has sought ADB assistance to conduct the feasibility study, estimated to cost about Tk 50 million, or around $0.4 million, including preparatory activities.
The financing structure, including the share of foreign assistance and domestic contribution, will be finalised after feasibility assessment.
The project is expected to enhance national cyber-resilience by establishing integrated monitoring and response mechanisms, reducing economic losses from cyber-incidents and ensuring protection of digital infrastructure.
For businesses, improved cybersecurity is expected to support digital commerce, protect financial transactions and boost investment confidence.
For citizens, the initiative aims to ensure safer access to digital public services and financial platforms while providing grassroots-level cyber-safety support through trained Cyber Security Champions and faster assistance through an AI-based helpline.
For the government, the project is expected to strengthen cyber-incident-response capability, enhance protection of critical information infrastructure and support evidence-based cybersecurity policy formulation.
jahid.rn@gmail.com
© 2026 - All Rights with The Financial Express
