Specialised ‘Cyber Police Unit’ launched to tackle digital crime

Aiming to curb digital offences, fortify online security, and boost tech-driven investigative capabilities, Bangladesh Police on Thursday formally rolled out its specialised and independent “Cyber Police Unit”.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed inaugurated the dedicated outfit at the "Hall of Integrity" inside the Police Headquarters in the capital on Thursday afternoon.

Addressing a press briefing at the "Hall of Pride" later in the day, the minister noted that the unit was established to transition from conventional policing methods to a tech-savvy, intellect-driven force suited for the era of artificial intelligence (AI) and rapidly evolving cybercrime patterns.

Outlining the organisational hierarchy, the home minister stated that the unit will function under the command of an Additional Inspector General of Police (Addl IGP). Additional IGP Md Iqbal Hossain has been entrusted with charge of the unit to oversee its initial operations.

At the field level, Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) and Additional DIGs will oversee divisional operations, while Superintendents of Police (SPs) will supervise district commands.

At the grassroots, dedicated Sub-Inspectors (SIs), Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), and constables headed by Officers-in-Charge (OCs) will be deployed across police stations to handle cyber complaints and investigations.

According to the approved organogram, the unit will have an aggregate manpower of 4,592 personnel. The posts will be filled through a combination of seasoned, IT-trained officers drawn from the regular force and fresh recruitment.

Breaking away from rigid traditional bureaucratic frameworks, the minister revealed that high-level technical specialists will be inducted on a contractual and outsourced basis to guarantee international operational standards.

Specialists across key domains—including system analysts, financial data analysts, cyber security experts, network administrators, dark web analysts, crypto analysts, malware researchers, social media monitors, emergency response consultants, and disaster recovery experts—will be hired under attractive pay packages.

Furthermore, senior officers tasked with steering the unit will undergo advanced specialised training both at home and abroad, alongside performance-linked incentives.

Read More

Govt announces dedicated Cyber Police Unit to contain digital crimes

To support digital forensics, a cutting-edge laboratory equipped with modern cyber tools is being developed under the unit to counter money laundering, online propaganda, financial fraud, narcotics rings, and digital extremism.

Highlighting administrative coherence, the home minister said the unit will serve as a single, coordinated umbrella, eliminating previous fragmented and uncoordinated cyber investigations handled haphazardly by disparate police outfits.

Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Manzur Murshed Chowdhury and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir were present at the briefing, among others.