Cybersecurity essential for safe and reliable digital government: minister

Cybersecurity is essential to ensure safe, uninterrupted and citizen-friendly digital government services, said Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam.

He stressed the need to strengthen technical capabilities, institutional coordination, skilled human resources and effective policies to protect government data, critical information infrastructure (CII) and digital services.

The minister made the remarks as the chief guest at the inaugural session of a two-day seminar titled ‘Cybersecurity and Data Protection’ at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka on Tuesday.

The theme of the seminar is ‘Cybersecurity for a Resilient Digital Government: Strategic Awareness for Policymakers, Senior Government Officials and Critical Information Infrastructure Leaders’.

Fakir Mahbub Anam said Bangladesh was moving rapidly towards digital transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

From digital banking and mobile financial services to the proposed ‘One Citizen, One Identity, One Wallet’ initiative, an increasing number of services now depend on digital platforms, creating new opportunities as well as growing cybersecurity risks, he said.

Highlighting three key priorities for cybersecurity, the minister said security must be given the highest importance from the initial design stage of infrastructure and technology systems protecting critical information infrastructure.

Cybersecurity should not be treated as an additional feature introduced later but as a fundamental component of infrastructure development, he said.

He also emphasised that protecting citizens’ personal and sensitive information was a key requirement for building a digital state.

For this, an effective data protection framework must be developed and implemented to establish public trust in digital services, he said.

The minister further stressed that cybersecurity should be an integral part of institutional planning, policymaking and budgeting, supported by skilled personnel, institutional capacity and effective leadership.

“We want to move away from a reactive approach and develop a preventive cybersecurity culture. We will move forward by drawing on Estonia’s experience and through international cooperation,” he said.

He urged the National Cyber Security Agency to prepare a clear action plan to implement the recommendations of the seminar.

Prime Minister’s Adviser Rehan Asif Asad said protecting digital sovereignty had become as essential as safeguarding geographical boundaries.

He stressed the need for infrastructure preparedness, protection of citizens’ data and proper development of the talent of the younger generation.

Referring to growing cyber risks associated with artificial intelligence, he said the country must prepare to tackle cybercriminals through modern technologies and training. He also underscored the importance of coordinated efforts with international partners.

Information and Communication Technology Division Secretary Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan presided over the programme, while Bangladesh Computer Council Executive Director (Additional Secretary) Nahid Sultana Mallik delivered the welcome address.

Ingrid Tönikurg, a representative of Estonia’s e-Governance Academy, delivered the introductory remarks. A representative of the European Union Delegation also attended as a special guest.

The seminar will discuss the national cybersecurity strategy, Bangladesh’s cyber risks, the activities of cybersecurity institutions and incident response teams, protection of government networks, cyberattack response, post-disaster recovery and security of critical information infrastructure.

During the two-day event, Estonian cybersecurity experts will share international experience and technical expertise.

Expert panel discussions will also focus on cybersecurity oversight, cyber diplomacy, combating misinformation and disinformation, and measures to strengthen Bangladesh’s cyber resilience.

The seminar is being organised under the European Union-funded project ‘e-Governance: Accelerating e-Governance and Digital Public Services in Bangladesh’.

Local and international cybersecurity experts, policymakers, senior government officials and representatives of organisations responsible for critical information infrastructure are participating in the event.