InfoSecCon-2026 calls for stronger, integrated cybersecurity efforts
DHAKA, Sept 27: Cybersecurity experts, policymakers, technology professionals and industry representatives have called for stronger coordination among government, businesses and academia to address Bangladesh's growing digital security challenges.
The call came at InfoSecCon-2026, a day-long cybersecurity conference organised by cybersecurity magazine InfoSecBulletin at a hotel in Dhaka on Saturday.
The conference brought together policymakers, researchers, academics, cybersecurity experts, law enforcement officials and technology professionals to exchange knowledge and experience on cybersecurity and emerging digital threats.
Discussions covered a wide range of issues, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), data centres, telecommunications, aviation and the protection of critical infrastructure in the banking and financial sectors.
A key focus of the conference was Bangladesh's national AI strategy and frameworks for the safe adoption of AI. Speakers stressed the need for stronger security, governance and risk-management mechanisms as public and private institutions increasingly adopt AI-based technologies.
Participants also discussed the need to develop future-ready data centres and strengthen the country's overall cyber infrastructure.
A dedicated session on telecommunications cybersecurity examined challenges in protecting the data and communication systems serving Bangladesh's large mobile subscriber base.
Another session, titled “Inside The Hacker’s Mind: Attacks, Defense & Cyber Careers,” explored cyberattack techniques, defensive measures and career opportunities in cybersecurity. Live demonstrations showed how mail servers can be compromised, the different stages of an attack and possible prevention and response measures.
The conference also featured a simulated ransomware attack and response exercise based on real-world scenarios. The exercise highlighted the importance of organisational preparedness, rapid decision-making and coordinated responses during cyber incidents.
The organisers also arranged a student-focused segment featuring sessions on cybersecurity careers, training, gaming and hacking challenges. They said developing young people's cybersecurity skills was one of the key objectives of the event.
Speaking as a special guest, Dr Md Taibur Rahman, director general of the National Cyber Security Agency, highlighted government initiatives aimed at protecting citizens' data.
He said the government was working on policies concerning digital IDs and artificial intelligence to ensure the security of data, including information related to critical information infrastructure.
As chief guest, Brigadier General Iqbal Ahmed, commissioner of the Engineering and Operations Division of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), stressed the need to develop a skilled cybersecurity workforce, enhance technical capabilities and strengthen coordination between public and private institutions.
The organisers said InfoSecCon-2026 aimed not only to raise awareness about cybersecurity but also to promote collaboration among government, industry and academia to help build a more secure digital environment in Bangladesh.
