National Cyber Security Council (Bangladesh)

National Cyber Security Council
জাতীয় সাইবার সুরক্ষা কাউন্সিল
·
National Emblem · Government Seal
Agency overview
FormedAugust 2025 (2025-08)
Preceding agency
  • National Digital Security Council
JurisdictionBangladesh
HeadquartersICT Tower, Agargaon, Dhaka
Prime Minister responsible
Parent departmentInformation and Communication Technology Division
Parent agencyGovernment of Bangladesh
Child agency
Websitencsa.gov.bd

The National Cyber Security Council (Bengali:জাতীয় সাইবার সুরক্ষা কাউন্সিল ) is the apex advisory body responsible for coordinating national cybersecurity efforts in Bangladesh. Established under the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025, the council oversees the formulation and implementation of cybersecurity policies, strategies, and plans to protect critical information infrastructure, public services, and national security from cyber threats.[1] It serves as a high-level forum for inter-agency collaboration, advising the government on emerging cyber risks, and ensuring alignment with international best practices.[2]

The council plays a pivotal role in Bangladesh's digital transformation agenda, particularly in safeguarding online government services, elections, and critical sectors such as banking, healthcare, and telecommunications. As of 2026, it has focused on enhancing cybersecurity amid rising threats, including misinformation during national elections.[3][4]

History

The origins of the National Cyber Security Council trace back to the Digital Security Act 2018, which established the National Digital Security Council (NDSC) as the primary body for digital security coordination.[5] This council was tasked with formulating inter-institutional policies and ensuring digital security across government entities.

In 2023, the Cyber Security Act replaced the 2018 Act, renaming and expanding the council's mandate to the National Cyber Security Council (NCSC), emphasizing cybersecurity over broader digital security.[6] The Act aimed to address deficiencies in citizen protection and align with evolving cyber threats.[7]

Following political changes in 2025, the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025 was promulgated on May 21, repealing the 2023 Act and establishing the current framework for the NCSC.[8] This ordinance integrated lessons from previous legislation and responded to criticisms of repressive elements in prior laws.[9]

Bangladesh's broader cybersecurity evolution includes the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2021–2025, which laid the groundwork for coordinated national efforts.[10]

Establishment

The National Cyber Security Council was formally established on August 26, 2025, following the promulgation of the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025.[11] The ordinance, under Section 4, defines the NCSC as the apex body for cybersecurity governance, with powers to develop national policies and coordinate responses.[2]

The establishment was part of the interim government's efforts to strengthen cybersecurity amid preparations for the 13th parliamentary elections and a national referendum.[12]

Leadership

The council is chaired by the chief adviser of the interim government, currently Muhammad Yunus.[11] The director general of the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), Md Tayebur Rahman, serves as the member secretary.[12]

Previous iterations under the 2018 and 2023 Acts were chaired by the prime minister.[13]

Functions

The NCSC's primary functions include:

  • Formulating and approving national cybersecurity policies and strategies.[2]
  • Coordinating efforts among government, private sector, and international stakeholders.
  • Monitoring policy implementation and reviewing agency performance.
  • Advising on the protection of critical information infrastructure (CII), with 35 institutions already designated as CII.[11]
  • Countering cybercrimes, misinformation, and threats to national security, especially during elections.[12]
  • The council also promotes public-private partnerships and international cooperation as outlined in the National Cybersecurity Strategy.[14]

Key Meetings

The first meeting of the NCSC was held on December 28, 2025, at the state guest house Jamuna, presided over by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.[15] Discussions focused on enhancing cybersecurity for the upcoming elections, countering misinformation, and protecting online services. The meeting highlighted the need for coordination between the NCSA and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).

Members

The NCSC consists of 25 members, including:[13]

Directors general of DGFI, NSI,NTMC and NCSA The council may co-opt experts as needed.

Controversies

The establishment of the NCSC under the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025 has faced criticism for retaining broad powers similar to those in the repealed Cyber Security Act 2023 and Digital Security Act 2018, which were used for repression and surveillance.[16] Critics argue that vague definitions of restricted speech and enhanced agency powers could enable arbitrary content moderation and infringe on freedoms.[9] Transparency International Bangladesh has called for streamlining the ordinance to address these issues.[17]

See also

References

  1. ^ "জাতীয় সাইবার সুরক্ষা এজেন্সি: হোম" (in Bengali). National Cyber Security Agency. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
  2. ^ a b c "Cyber Security Governance Under the Cyber Laws of Bangladesh: An Overview". RSI International. 2025-05-10. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
  3. ^ "নির্বাচনকে সামনে রেখে সাইবার নিরাপত্তা জোরদারের নির্দেশ প্রধান উপদেষ্টার" (in Bengali). প্রথম আলো. 2025-12-28. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
  4. ^ "নির্বাচনকে সামনে রেখে সাইবার নিরাপত্তা জোরদারের নির্দেশ প্রধান উপদেষ্টার" (in Bengali). দ্য ডেইলি স্টার. 2025-12-28. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
  5. ^ "Digital Security Act, 2018" (PDF) (in Bengali). Digital Security Agency. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
  6. ^ "সাইবার নিরাপত্তা আইন, ২০২৩" (in Bengali). Laws of Bangladesh. 2023-09-18. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
  7. ^ "CA orders strengthening cyber security ahead of polls". BSS. 2025-12-28. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
  8. ^ "সাইবার সুরক্ষা অধ্যাদেশ, ২০২৫" (PDF) (in Bengali). Department of Printing and Publications. 2025-05-21. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
  9. ^ a b "Bangladesh Interim Government's "Right" to Uninterrupted Internet Access is a Sham". Tech Policy Press. 2025-01-14. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
  10. ^ "Bangladesh Cyber Security Strategy 2021–2025". Digital Watch Observatory. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
  11. ^ a b c "Govt should attend to cyber insecurity for polls, services". New Age. 2025-12-30. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
  12. ^ a b c "CA orders enhanced cybersecurity nationwide ahead of elections". The Business Standard. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
  13. ^ a b "Draft Cyber Security Act, 2023" (PDF). Legislative Division. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
  14. ^ "The National Cybersecurity Strategy of Bangladesh". UNIDIR Cyber Policy Portal. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
  15. ^ "জাতীয় সাইবার সুরক্ষা কাউন্সিলের ১ম সভা অদ্য ২৮ ডিসেম্বর ২০২৫ তারিখে অনুষ্ঠিত" (in Bengali). Digital Security Agency. 2025-12-28. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
  16. ^ "Repackaging Repression: The Cyber Security Act and the Continuing Lawfare Against Dissent in Bangladesh" (PDF). Amnesty International. 2024-08-22. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
  17. ^ "Digital Security Act 2018 and the Draft Cyber Security Act 2023: A Comparative Analysis" (PDF). Transparency International Bangladesh. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
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