The rapid course of technological advancement in Bangladesh has transformed communication, business, education, and governance. However, this digital evolution has also led to the rise of cybercrime as a serious social problem. As Internet penetration escalates—reaching over 130 million users as of 2023—so too has the frequency and diversity of cyber offenses, including identity theft, online fraud, digital harassment, data breaches, and cyberextortion. Vulnerable groups, women and youth in particular, are affected disproportionately, often facing blackmail and harassment on social media platforms which is having a negative impact on their mental and social lives. Despite the existence of legal frameworks such as the Digital Security Act (2018) and Cyber Security Act (2023), enforcement remains poor due to institutional inefficiencies and inadequate public awareness of cyber risks. This chapter examines the rise of cybercrime in Bangladesh as an emerging social problem in the context of rapid technological advancement as well as the structural and behavioral factors contributing to cybercrime in Bangladesh. The study relies on desk research, drawing on peer-reviewed academic articles, government reports, industry assessments, and reputable media sources. This research highlights how inadequate digital literacy, poor institutional coordination, and weak implementation of cyber laws intensify the problem. The findings highlight the urgent need for a multistakeholder approach to mitigating cyber offenses. Strengthening digital literacy, formulating rights-based cybersecurity policies, and enhancing law enforcement capabilities are essential for building a safer digital environment in Bangladesh.

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Technological Advancement and the Rise of Cybercrime in Bangladesh

  • Md. Mahbubur Rahman,
  • Md. Shahidulla Kaiser

摘要

The rapid course of technological advancement in Bangladesh has transformed communication, business, education, and governance. However, this digital evolution has also led to the rise of cybercrime as a serious social problem. As Internet penetration escalates—reaching over 130 million users as of 2023—so too has the frequency and diversity of cyber offenses, including identity theft, online fraud, digital harassment, data breaches, and cyberextortion. Vulnerable groups, women and youth in particular, are affected disproportionately, often facing blackmail and harassment on social media platforms which is having a negative impact on their mental and social lives. Despite the existence of legal frameworks such as the Digital Security Act (2018) and Cyber Security Act (2023), enforcement remains poor due to institutional inefficiencies and inadequate public awareness of cyber risks. This chapter examines the rise of cybercrime in Bangladesh as an emerging social problem in the context of rapid technological advancement as well as the structural and behavioral factors contributing to cybercrime in Bangladesh. The study relies on desk research, drawing on peer-reviewed academic articles, government reports, industry assessments, and reputable media sources. This research highlights how inadequate digital literacy, poor institutional coordination, and weak implementation of cyber laws intensify the problem. The findings highlight the urgent need for a multistakeholder approach to mitigating cyber offenses. Strengthening digital literacy, formulating rights-based cybersecurity policies, and enhancing law enforcement capabilities are essential for building a safer digital environment in Bangladesh.