Minister stresses cybersecurity, data protection for secure digital governance.
Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam today said ensuring cybersecurity is essential to keep government activities safe, uninterrupted and people-friendly.
He stressed that, alongside enhancing technical capacity to protect government data, Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) and digital services, emphasis must be given to institutional coordination, skilled manpower and the formulation of effective policies.
Faqir Mahbub Anam, also Science and Technology Minister, made the remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of a two-day seminar on "Cybersecurity and Data Protection" as the chief guest at a hotel in the capital, according to ministry release.
The seminar's theme is "Cybersecurity for Resilient Digital Government: Strategic Awareness for Policy-Makers, Senior Civil Servants, and Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) Leaders".
The minister said Bangladesh is advancing rapidly towards digital transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
From digital banking and mobile financial services to the one citizen-one identity-one wallet initiative, everything is now dependent on digital platforms, he said, adding that while this progress has created opportunities, it has also increased cyber threats.
Highlighting three priorities in this regard, Faqir Mahbub said, "To ensure the protection of the country's CII, cybersecurity must be given the highest importance right from the design stage of infrastructure and technology systems. Security must be considered not as a later addition, but as a fundamental part of infrastructure development."
He said protecting citizens' personal and sensitive data is one of the main prerequisites for building a digital state. To this end, along with formulating and implementing an effective data protection framework, public trust and confidence in digital services must be established.
The minister further said cybersecurity must be made an integral part of institutional planning, policymaking and budgeting. In this regard, it is important to build skilled and trained manpower, enhance institutional capacity and ensure effective leadership.
A safe, reliable and sustainable digital environment must be built through coordinated efforts, he said.
The minister added "We want to move away from a reactive mindset and build a preventive cyber culture. We will move forward with the experience of Estonia and through international cooperation."
He called upon the National Cyber Security Agency to prepare a clear roadmap for implementing the outcomes of the seminar and formally declared the seminar open.
Speaking the occasion, Prime Minister’s adviser Rehan Asif Asad said protecting digital sovereignty such as geographical borders is now essential. To ensure cybersecurity, infrastructural preparedness, cent percent protection of citizens' data and proper nurturing of the talent of the young generation must be ensured, he said.
Mentioning that cyber risks are constantly increasing due to artificial intelligence (AI), the adviser also said to resist cyber criminals "we must also be prepared with the same speed and modern technology".
He said a secure and resilient digital system can be built through proper use of the talent of young people with necessary tools and training, and by working together with international partners.
Information and Communication Technology Division Secretary Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan presided over the function.
Executive Director of Bangladesh Computer Council Nahid Sultana Mallik delivered the welcome speech.
Ingrid Tunikurg, a representative of the Estonian e-Governance Academy (eGA), gave the introductory speech.
A representative of the European Union delegation was present as a special guest.
The seminar features discussion on the National Cyber Security Strategy, Bangladesh's cyber risk landscape, activities of cybersecurity institutions and CERT/CSIRT, government network security, responding to cyber attacks, post-disaster recovery and the security of CII.
During the two-day seminar, Estonian cybersecurity experts will share international experience and technical knowledge.
An expert panel discussion will also be held on cybersecurity oversight, cyber diplomacy, countering misinformation and disinformation, and steps to strengthen Bangladesh's cyber resilience.
The seminar is expected to play an important role in raising strategic awareness of policymakers and senior government officials on cybersecurity, ensuring the security of government digital services and building coordinated capacity to tackle cyber risks at the national level.
The seminar has been organised under the European Union-funded project "E-ffective Governance: Accelerating e-government and digital public services in Bangladesh."
Cybersecurity experts from home and abroad, policymakers, senior government officials and officials concerned with Critical Information Infrastructure are participating in the event.
