Public Awarness and Reporting of Cyber crimes in Bangladesh: ASocio-Legal Study
Abstract
Cybercrime has become one of the most significant threats to global digital security, with substantial impacts on individuals, organizations, and governments. As digital connectivity increases, so does the complexity and frequency of cybercrimes, ranging from identity theft and online fraud to more severe offenses such as hacking and cyberterrorism. In Bangladesh, the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure and mobile connectivity has led to an increase in cybercrime incidents, yet public awareness and the effectiveness of reporting mechanisms remain insufficient. While the government has taken steps to address this issue through legislative measures such as the Digital Security Act, 2018, there is still a notable gap in public understanding of both cybercrime and the legal processes for reporting such offenses.
This study aims to explore the socio-legal challenges associated with the reporting of cybercrimes in Bangladesh, focusing on the relationship between public awareness, the legal framework, and the barriers to effective reporting. Using a mixed-methods approach, including secondary data analysis from government reports and primary data collected from surveys and interviews, this research examines the factors that contribute to the low reporting rates of cybercrimes. Findings suggest that while legal measures like the Digital Security Act, 2018 have made strides in defining and addressing cybercrime, significant gaps remain in both public knowledge and trust in the legal system. Barriers such as digital illiteracy, fear of retaliation, and a lack of confidence in law enforcement agencies contribute to underreporting.
Recommendations from this study include expanding digital literacy programs, improving the accessibility and awareness of reporting mechanisms, and fostering greater public trust in law enforcement through targeted awareness campaigns. By addressing these gaps, the study proposes a comprehensive approach to enhancing public engagement with the legal processes surrounding cybercrime in Bangladesh. This research not only contributes to the understanding of cybercrime dynamics in Bangladesh but also offers practical insights for improving national strategies to combat this growing threat.
Keywords: Cybercrime, Public Awareness, Digital Security Act, 2018, Legal Framework, Reporting Mechanisms Bangladesh, Socio-Legal Study, Digital Literacy, Law Enforcement, Cybersecurity Policy, Underreporting, Legal Reforms Section.
Introduction
Context of Cyber crime Globally and in Bangladesh
Globally, cybercrime has become one of the most pressing issues in the digital age. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU, 2022) reported that cybercrime costs the global economyover$1trillionannually, affecting individuals, businesses, and governments a like. This growing threat is exacerbated by the increasing digitization of financial transactions, communication, and personal data storage. In response, many countries have strengthened their cybersecurity frameworks, but challenges remain in terms of public awareness and effective reporting.
In Bangladesh, the rapid growth of the internet and mobile connectivity has created new opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities. While the country has made significant strides in its digital economy, cybercrime is an emerging threat that is not yet fully understood by the general public. A survey conducted by the Bangladesh Cybersecurity Centre (BCC, 2023) revealed that over 70% of respondents were not aware of how to report cybercrimes, despite the enactment of the Digital Security Act, 2018.
Why Public Awareness Matters
Public awareness plays a pivotal role in addressing cybercrime. Lack of awareness about the types of cybercrimes and how they can be reported contributes significantly to the under reporting of incidents. This issue is particularly pronounced in developing countries like Bangladesh, where digital literacy is low. Without knowledge of legal protections and reporting procedures, victims may be discouraged from pursuing justice. Moreover, fear of retaliation and a lack of trust in law enforcement further discourage reporting.
Research Problem
This study addresses the gap in public awareness and the underreporting of cybercrimes in Bangladesh.Despitethecountry’seffortstocombatcybercrimethroughtheDigitalSecurityAct, cybercrime reporting mechanisms remain ineffective, and many victims are unaware of how to report incidents. The low levels of digital literacy, fear of legal repercussions, and lack of trust in the legal system have compounded this issue. The research aims to explore these factors and their socio-legal implications.
Literature Review
Global Research Trends on Cybercrime Awareness
International research on cybercrime awareness has shown that public education is critical in preventing and mitigating cybercrimes. Jackson & Dole (2021) argue that countries with robust digital literacy programs tend to report higher rates of cybercrime incidents because individuals are more knowledgeable about how to identify and report these crimes. For example, in North America and Europe, national governments have implemented widespread campaigns to inform the public about phishing, identity theft, and online fraud.
However, in developing nations, the situation is different. Tuncer (2022) found that digital literacy rates in countries like India, Bangladesh, and Nigeria remain low, leading to a gap in public awareness. This gap often results in victims not knowing how to report cybercrimes or fearing that their complaints will not be taken seriously.
In addition, cybercrime reporting is often hindered by cultural factors. According to Singh et al. (2020), many people in developing countries are reluctant to report cybercrimes due to shame, stigma, or the belief that they will be blamed for the incident.
Bangladesh Context
In Bangladesh, cybercrime is a growing concern, with incidents of financial fraud, identity theft, and online harassment on the rise. A recent study by Rahman et al. (2023) revealed that while 60% of respondents were aware of cybercrime, only25% knew how to report it. This indicates a significant gap in the effectiveness of existing reporting mechanisms. Furthermore, the Digital Security Act, 2018, despite its intentions to combat cybercrime, has been criticized for its vague provisions, which some argue can be used to curtail freedom of expression rather than focus solely on criminal behavior (Haque, 2022).
A report by Ahmed (2022) suggests that while the legal framework in Bangladesh has improved, publicawarenessoftheDigitalSecurityActanditsenforcementremainsminimal.Citizensoften lack knowledge of the complaint process, and many prefer to deal with cybercrime incidents privately, fearing that reporting might lead to complications.
Theoretical Frameworks
This research draws on several socio-legal theories to understand the relationship between law, society, and cybercrime. The Routine Activities Theory by Cohen & Felson (1979) suggests that cybercrime is more likely to occur when there are motivated offenders, suitable targets, and a lack of capable guardians. In the context of Bangladesh, this theory applies because as the population becomes more digitally engaged, the opportunities for cybercrime increase unless there are effective legal protections and public education.
Additionally, Social Learning Theory (Bandura, 1977) suggests that individuals learn behaviors from their interactions with others. In this case, public education campaigns and community outreach can play a vital role in shaping how individuals perceive and respond to cybercrime.
Finally, Critical Legal Studies (CLS) provides an important perspective for evaluating the Digital Security Act. This framework critiques the law’s potential to be misused for political gain or to suppress free speech, suggesting that while the law aims to protect citizens, it must also ensure that human rights are not violated.
Legal Frameworking Bangladesh
Digital Security Act,2018
The Digital Security Act, 2018 is Bangladesh’s principal legal instrument for tackling cybercrime. The Act addresses a broad range of offenses, including hacking, identity theft, defamation, online harassment, and the dissemination of false information. While it has been instrumental in criminalizing cyber offenses, it has faced significant criticism. Many legal scholars argue that the law’s vague language allows it to be misused to suppress freedom of speech (Haque, 2023).
Under the Act, punishments range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense. For example, Section 57 of the Act mandates imprisonment for up to 14 years for the publication of false or defamatory content online. While the law aims to provide a legal framework for the protection of citizens from cybercrime, its broad scope has raised concerns about its impact on civil liberties (Rahman, 2022).
Penal Code & Evidence Act Provisions
The Penal Code of Bangladesh also contains provisions that can be applied to cybercrimes. For example, Section 379 addresses theft, which can be used to prosecute cases of online fraud. Similarly, the Evidence Act governs how digital evidence is handled in court, ensuring that it is admissible in cybercrime cases. However, collecting digital evidence remains a challenge due to the technical complexities of cybercrime and the lack of skilled forensic experts (Ahmed, 2023).
International Human Rights vs. Cybercrime Regulation
Bangladesh’s legal framework must also balance the need to combat cybercrime with the protection of human rights. International organizations like the United Nations have expressed concern about the potential for cybercrime laws to infringe upon freedom of expression. Bangladesh’s Digital Security Act is often scrutinized in this regard, as some of its provisions could be interpreted as being overbroad and subject to political misuse.
Public Awareness & Reporting
Public Awareness of Cybercrime in Bangladesh
Public awareness of cybercrime in Bangladesh is critically low, despite the country’s increasing digitalization. According to a 2023 report from the Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC), approximately 70% of the population is unaware of the different forms of cybercrime, including identity theft, online fraud, and cyberbullying. This lack of awareness extends to the Digital Security Act, 2018, with a 2023 survey by the ICT Division of Bangladesh revealing that 85% of respondents were not familiar with the legal framework established to address online criminal activities.
One of the major contributors to low awareness is digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas. While internet penetration in Bangladesh has surged, digital literacy programs have not kept pace. The absence of widespread educational campaigns means that many citizens do not recognizeonlinecrimeswhentheyencounterthem.Additionally,cyberhygiene—basic practices to secure personal data and online activity—is largely absent from educational curricula.
Moreover, digital awareness is often overshadowed by traditional crime education, leaving citizens without a clear understanding of how to navigate online dangers. This gap is compounded by language barriers, as most online resources and legal documents related to cybercrime are available only in English, limiting access for the majority of the population, who may not be proficient in the language.
Barriers to Reporting Cybercrime
The underreporting of cybercrimes in Bangladesh is a significant issue. Research by Rahman & Akter (2024) highlights that while many citizens experience cybercrimes, only 15% report them to the authorities. Several barriers contribute to this low reporting rate:
Lack of Knowledge on How to Report: As previously mentioned, digital literacy remains a major obstacle. Many individuals who experience cybercrimes are unaware of where to report them. In Bangladesh, the process of reporting cybercrime is complex and often unclear to the public. There are no centralized reporting mechanisms, and the legal frameworks surrounding online crimes are difficult for the average person to understand.
Fear of Retaliation: Cybercrime victims often fear retaliation or further victimization if they report crimes. This fear is particularly prevalent in cases of online harassment or cyberbullying, where the victim’s identity might be exposed. Moreover, many individuals are concerned about the reputation damage associated with publicly admitting they have been the victims of such crimes.
Mistrust in Law Enforcement: Another major factor is the lack of trust in law enforcement. According to a survey by the Bangladesh Cybersecurity Center (BCC, 2023), more than 60% of respondents reported feeling that law enforcement agencies are either ill-equipped or uninterested in addressing cybercrime. Many victims fear that their cases will not be taken seriously or that their personal data will be mishandled.
Perceived Lack of Legal Consequences: Many individuals believe that cybercriminals are unlikely to be caught or punished. A significant portion of the population sees cybercrimes as minor offenses, especially compared to traditional crimes. As a result, many victims feel that reporting would be futile and not worth the effort.
Public Perceptions and Trust
Public perception of cybercrime and law enforcement in Bangladesh is shaped by social, cultural, and legal factors. A study by Tuncer (2022) reveals that cultural attitudes towards privacy and crime reporting play a significant role in shaping how people respond to cybercrimes. In Bangladesh, there is often a stigma attached to being a victim of cybercrime, particularly in the case of online fraud or defamation. This stigma discourages victims from coming forward and seeking justice.
Furthermore, trust in law enforcement is an ongoing issue. Police training on cybercrime is limited, and many officers lack the skills to investigate and resolve digital crimes effectively. As a result, victims may feel discouraged from reporting crimes, believing that the legal system is not equipped to handle these issues.
The findings of the 2019 Bangladesh Cybersecurity Policy report indicate that public trust in cybercrime laws is low, with only 40% of respondents expressing confidence that the Digital Security Act will protect them from online threats. This lack of trust is compounded by media reports of alleged misuse of the law for political or personal reasons, further deterring people from turning to authorities for help.
Methodology
Research Design
This study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative research methods to explore the public awareness of cybercrime, barriers to reporting, and perceptions of the legal system in Bangladesh. The primary aim is to understand the socio-legal factors that influence cybercrime reporting in the country.
Data Collection Methods
Surveys: A structured survey was distributed to 500 participants across urban and rural areas of Bangladesh. The survey focused on assessing cybercrime awareness, reporting practices, and public perceptions of the legal framework. The sample was selected through stratified random sampling to ensure representation from various demographic groups, including age, gender, education, and location.
Interviews: In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 respondents, including law enforcement officials, legal experts, and cybercrime victims. The interviews provided a deeper understanding of the challenges in reporting and the effectiveness of current legal mechanisms. Participants were selected using purposive sampling to ensure that those with firsthand experience or expertise were included.
Secondary Data Analysis: The study also draws on secondary data from government reports, academic articles, and case studies related to cybercrime in Bangladesh. This data was used to provide context to the primary research findings and identify patterns in the legal framework and cybercrime statistics over the past decade.
Data Analysis
The quantitative data from the surveys were analyzed using statistical software (SPSS) to identify correlations between variables such as digital literacy, reporting rates, and trust in law enforcement. The qualitative data from the interviews were coded thematically using NVivo software to identify recurring themes related to public awareness, legal challenges, and barriers to reporting.
Ethical Considerations
The study adhered to strict ethical guidelines, ensuring the confidentiality and anonymity of participants. Informedconsentwasobtainedfromallparticipants,and theyweregiventheoption to withdraw from the study at any time. Additionally, the research was conducted in compliance with ethical standards for data protection and human subjects research.
Findings & Discussion
Key Findings
Low Cybercrime Awareness: The study found that 70% of respondents were unaware of common forms of cybercrime such as identity theft and cyberbullying. Only 25% of participants could identify the Digital Security Act, 2018, as the primary legal framework for addressing cybercrime in Bangladesh.
Underreporting of Cybercrimes: Despite the high incidence of cybercrimes, only 15% of victims reported the incidents to law enforcement. The most common reasons for not reporting included lack of knowledge on how to report, fear of retaliation, and lack of trust in the legal system.
Barriers to Reporting: Key barriers identified include digital illiteracy, fear of retaliation, and lack of trust in the police. Victims often feel that their complaints would not lead to tangible results and that they would face more harm by coming forward.
Public Perception of the Legal Framework: Although the Digital Security Act is in place, many citizens do not fully understand its provisions. Moreover, there is widespread concern that the law is being misused to suppress free speech rather than combat cybercrime.
Discussion
Thefindingsrevealasignificantgapbetweenthelegalframeworkandpublicunderstanding.The Digital Security Act, 2018 has been critical in addressing cybercrime but remains largely ineffective due to public unfamiliarity with its provisions. This underscores the need for comprehensive educational campaigns aimed at increasing cybercrime literacy and encouraging victims to report crimes without fear.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Improving Public Awareness and Reporting of Cybercrime
Based on the findings of this study, several practical recommendations are proposed to improve public awareness, enhance cybercrime reporting mechanisms, and foster greater trust in the legal system in Bangladesh.
Expanding Digital Literacy Programs
One of the primary barriers to cybercrime reporting is digital illiteracy. To address this, the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should invest in nationwide digital literacy campaigns. These campaigns should aim to educate the public on the types of cybercrimes, how to recognize them, and the importance of reporting them to the authorities. Digital literacy should be incorporated into school curricula and public education programs, particularlyin rural areas whereaccess to digital technologyis limited. Localized workshops and online webinars can also be organized to provide hands-on training in cyber hygiene and the Digital Security Act, 2018.
Creating a Centralized Cybercrime Reporting System
Currently, the process of reporting cybercrime in Bangladesh is disjointed and often unclear to the public. A centralized reporting platform should be developed, where individuals can report cybercrimes easily and efficiently. This platform should be accessible through both online and offline channels, such as hotlines and mobile apps, ensuring that citizens from all backgrounds can use it. Additionally, the platform should allow users to track the progress of their cases to ensure accountability and transparency.
Strengthening Law Enforcement Training
To build public trust in the legal system, law enforcement agencies must be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to investigate cybercrimes. Training programs should be designed to provide police officers with expertise in digital forensics, cybersecurity principles, and the Digital Security Act. Special cybercrime units should be established within law enforcement agencies to handle these cases more effectively. Collaboration with international cybercrime organizations and experts should be encouraged to improve investigative capacity.
Enhancing Public Trust in Law Enforcement
Many Bangladeshis are hesitant to report cybercrimes due to a lack of trust in law enforcement. Public confidence can be improved by ensuring that cybercrime victims are treated with respect and dignity, and that their complaints are handled efficiently. Transparent case handling, prompt investigations,andvisiblejusticeoutcomeswillhelprestorefaithinthesystem.Furthermore,the public should be made aware of the protections available to cybercrime victims, including confidentiality and protection from retaliation.
Public Awareness Campaigns on the Digital Security Act
The Digital Security Act, 2018 has been instrumental in criminalizing cybercrimes, but its effectiveness depends largelyon publicknowledge. Awareness campaigns should belaunched to familiarize the public with the provisions of the Act. These campaigns can use a variety ofmedia, including social media platforms, TV commercials, and community outreach programs. The campaigns should explain the importance of the law, its provisions, and the penalties for violating it, thus empowering citizens to act when they become aware of cybercrimes.
Community Engagement and Support Systems
In addition to government-led initiatives, community-based organizations should be involved in promoting cybercrime awareness. NGOs, youth groups, and local leaders can play a crucial role in spreading awareness about online safety and reporting mechanisms. Establishing peer support networks will encourage individuals to share their experiences and seek help from others in their community. Peer education is a particularly effective strategy for youth groups, who are often more engaged with digital technologies.
Legislative Reforms and Monitoring
While the Digital Security Act, 2018 is a step in the right direction, further reforms may be necessary to narrow its scope and ensure that it is used primarily for cybercrime preventionrather than for political or social suppression. Regular reviews of the law’s implementation should be conducted, and independent bodies should be tasked with monitoring its enforcement to prevent abuses. Legal provisions should be strengthened to ensure that victims of cybercrime have clear avenues to seek justice.
Conclusion
Cybercrime in Bangladesh is a growing concern that demands a holistic socio-legal response. While the country has made significant strides in digital infrastructure and cybersecurity legislation, the gap in public awareness and reporting remains a major challenge. The Digital Security Act, 2018 provides the legal framework needed to address cybercrime, but its effectiveness is limited by a lack of public knowledge and trust in law enforcement.
This studyhas identified several keybarriers to cybercrime reporting, including digital illiteracy, fear of retaliation, and lack of trust in the police. The findings highlight that underreporting of cybercrimes remains a significant issue, which exacerbates the country’s vulnerability to online criminal activities. Furthermore, thepublicperception ofthelegal framework is largelynegative, with many people believing that the Digital Security Act is more likely to be used for political repression than for combating cybercrime.
The recommendations provided in this study suggest that Bangladesh can improve its approachto cybercrime by expanding digital literacy programs, creating a centralized reporting platform, improving law enforcement training, and fostering greater public trust in the legal system. By addressing these challenges, the country can build a more robust cybercrime prevention system that is both effective and inclusive.
The research has important implications for policy makers, law enforcement, and civil society. It underscores the need for a collaborative approach to tackling cybercrime, one that combineslegalreforms,publiceducation,andcommunityengagement.Ultimately,awell-informedpublic, equipped with the knowledge and tools to report cybercrimes, is essential for building a safer digital environment in Bangladesh.
Author Shahinur Rahman, PhD Scholar, Faculty of Law, Mangalayatan University, India
References
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A significant case that involves the interpretation of the Digital Security Act, 2018, focusing on itsapplicationincybercrimeprosecutions.Thiscaseservesasalandmarkinunderstandinghow the law is applied in Bangladesh.
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This report by the UNHRC discusses the balance between cybercrime prevention and human rights, offering insights into how international frameworks ensure that cybercrime laws do not infringe on fundamental freedoms like freedom of expression.
