Cybersecurity a strategic priority for national security: Zabihullah

Prime Minister's Adviser on Public Administration Md Ismail Zabihullah said on Wednesday that cybersecurity is not merely a technological issue but a strategic priority for national security.

He stressed the need for long-term planning and effective policies to protect critical information infrastructure, citizens' personal data and national interests.

He made the remarks while chairing a panel discussion titled 'Cyber Resilience for Bangladesh: Priorities and Actions' at a two-day seminar on 'Cybersecurity and Data Protection' organised by the ICT Division at Hotel Pan Pacific Sonargaon in the capital.

The adviser said Bangladesh's growing dependence on digital services, with around 138 million internet users and 122 million mobile phone users, increased cybersecurity risks.

Referring to the Bangladesh Bank reserve heist, he said past incidents had exposed the country's vulnerabilities. 

He called for urgent measures to protect National Identity Card (NID) information and prevent phishing, hacking and financial fraud.

He also emphasised developing domestic digital platforms for sensitive government activities, strengthening digital forensic capabilities and enhancing international cooperation to combat cybercrime.

Zabihullah said surveillance technology must not be used to oppress citizens and should remain under government control and accountability. 

On artificial intelligence, he stressed maintaining a balance between technological advancement and employment generation, particularly to fulfil the government's target of creating five lakh jobs for young people over the next five years.

He called for coordinated efforts involving government agencies, the private sector, academia, law enforcement agencies and international partners to build a secure and inclusive digital ecosystem.

The seminar was organised under an EU-funded project on accelerating e-government and digital public services in Bangladesh.

Senior government officials, cybersecurity experts, academics and industry representatives attended the event.