The Chief Adviser has directed authorities to bolster cyber security measures ahead of the upcoming polls

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday instructed the National Cyber Security Agency to ensure comprehensive cyber security measures ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections and referendum.

“Considering the elections, we must strengthen our information technology capacity and take firm action against all forms of cybercrime,” he said.

Prof Yunus, who also serves as chairman of the National Cyber Security Council, issued the directives while chairing a council meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna, according to the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.

He noted that the government is moving to bring a wide range of citizen services onto online platforms, many of which are already being delivered digitally both at home and abroad. To keep these services secure and uninterrupted, he stressed the need for enhanced cyber security, placing particular emphasis on sectors involved in providing citizen services.

The Chief Adviser also directed organisations adopting cyber security measures to regularly update their software and hardware, and to improve the efficiency of personnel managing these systems. He further suggested introducing a rating system for organisations and relevant staff to facilitate an objective assessment of their cyber security preparedness.

Prof Yunus instructed the National Cyber Security Agency to work effectively, alongside the judiciary, to ensure that those involved in financial-sector crimes are brought to justice. His Special Assistant for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, informed the meeting that 35 institutions have already been designated as Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) and proposed expanding the list.

Taiyeb also underscored the importance of coordination between the National Cyber Security Agency and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to curb rumours, misinformation, disinformation and other cybercrimes linked to the elections.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur said several steps have already been taken to further strengthen cyber security in the banking sector, with additional measures currently underway. He also commended the initiative to establish sector-specific Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs).

Member Secretary of the National Cyber Security Council and Director General of the National Cyber Security Agency Dr Md Taibur Rahman presented a PowerPoint briefing on the agency’s activities, future plans, and the “Cyber Incident Reporting and Response System” developed to receive and process complaints related to cyber offences.

The meeting was attended by Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, ICT Division Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam, National Board of Revenue Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan, among others.

Following the promulgation of the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025 on May 21, the National Cyber Security Council was formed on August 26 under the amended law to ensure cyber security for state institutions and citizens. The 25-member council is chaired by the Chief Adviser of the interim government.