Yunus orders strengthening of cyber security ahead of elections

Chief Adviser and Chairman of the National Cyber Security Council Professor Muhammad Yunus has directed the National Cyber Security Agency to take comprehensive measures to ensure robust cyber security ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections and referendum.

He issued the directive at a meeting of the National Cyber Security Council held on Sunday at the State Guest House Jamuna, where he stressed the need to enhance information technology capacity with a special focus on the electoral process.

“We must strengthen our IT capabilities centring on the upcoming elections and take strict action against all forms of cybercrime,” the chief adviser said.

He noted that the government is steadily bringing citizen services onto digital platforms, with many services already being provided online both at home and abroad. Ensuring uninterrupted and secure delivery of these services, he said, requires a stronger cyber security framework. He instructed the authorities to give special attention to key citizen service sectors.

Professor Yunus also directed organisations responsible for cyber security to regularly update their software and hardware, and to enhance the efficiency and skills of the personnel involved. He further proposed introducing a rating system for organisations and manpower engaged in cyber security to enable more effective evaluation of their preparedness.

Emphasising financial security, the chief adviser instructed the National Cyber Security Agency to work closely with the judiciary to ensure that cyber-related financial crimes do not go unpunished.

At the meeting, Faiz Ahmed Tayyab, special assistant to the chief adviser in charge of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, said 35 organisations have already been declared critical information infrastructure and suggested adding more entities to the list. He also stressed the need for close coordination between the National Cyber Security Agency and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to prevent rumours, misinformation and disinformation during the elections.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur said several initiatives have already been taken to further strengthen cyber security in the banking sector, with additional measures currently underway. He also welcomed the formation of sectoral Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs).

Member Secretary of the National Cyber Security Council and Director General of the National Cyber Security Agency Dr Md Tayyab Rahman made a detailed presentation on the agency’s ongoing activities and future plans. He also showcased the “Cyber Incident Reporting and Response System,” developed to receive and process complaints related to crimes in cyberspace.

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

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