Responsible Use of Digital Media and Cybercrime Awareness: A Legal and Societal Imperative in Bangladesh

Repoter : News Room
Published: 18 September, 2025 2:57 pm

Shahinur Rahman

Abstract

The rapid expansion of digital technologies and social media platforms in Bangladesh has significantly transformed communication, commerce, and governance. However, this transformation has also amplified risks such as cybercrime, misinformation, identity theft, and digital exploitation.

This article critically examines the responsible use of digital media and the importance of cybercrime awareness as both a legal and societal imperative. By analyzing existing legal frameworks, societal challenges, and empirical data, the paper offers recommendations to foster digital literacy, strengthen cybersecurity, and balance technological progress with individual rights and responsibilities.

Introduction

Digital media in Bangladesh has witnessed unprecedented growth in the last two decades. According to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), internet penetration reached 132.4 million users by mid-2025, with over 55 million active social media users.

While this digital revolution has created opportunities for education, e-commerce, and civic engagement, it has also opened pathways for cybercrimes, including fraud, cyberbullying, hacking, online harassment, and the spread of extremist content.

The responsible use of digital media is not merely a personal choice but a legal and societal necessity, as misuse undermines national security, public morality, and individual privacy.

The Legal Framework in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has enacted several laws to address cybercrime and regulate digital platforms:

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Act, 2006 (amended in 2013) – introduced provisions against hacking, data theft, and digital fraud but faced criticism for vague language and potential misuse.
Digital Security Act (DSA), 2018 – currently the primary legal instrument, addressing cyber offenses including cyberterrorism, defamation, and digital fraud. However, rights groups such as Amnesty International and Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) have raised concerns over restrictions on free speech.
Cyber Tribunal and Cyber Appellate Tribunal – established for the trial of offenses under the ICT and DSA Acts.
National Cybersecurity Strategy (2021–2025) – aims to develop secure digital infrastructure, promote awareness, and protect critical information systems.

Despite these frameworks, challenges remain in enforcement, public trust, and awareness. Many citizens are still unaware of how to report cybercrime or protect their digital identity.

Societal Challenges in Responsible Digital Media Use

Digital Literacy Gaps: Studies (UNDP, 2023) show that while 65% of Bangladeshi youths use social media daily, only 28% are aware of online safety measures.

Misinformation and Fake News: During the COVID-19 pandemic and national elections, Bangladesh experienced a surge of online misinformation campaigns.

Gender-Based Cyber Violence: A 2024 BRAC survey reported that 41% of women internet users faced harassment, including unsolicited messages, cyberstalking, and revenge pornography.

Youth Vulnerability: Excessive gaming, gambling, and exposure to extremist propaganda online remain pressing risks.

Cybercrime Trends in Bangladesh

According to the Cyber Police Centre (CPC) of the Bangladesh Police, over 25,000 cybercrime complaints were recorded in 2024, ranging from financial fraud (40%), harassment (30%), and hacking (15%) to defamation and blackmail (15%).

Mobile financial services (MFS) such as bKash, Nagad, and Rocket are frequent targets, with phishing scams costing consumers millions of taka annually.

Cross-border cybercrime syndicates increasingly exploit weak digital literacy and poor cybersecurity practices in rural areas.

The Societal and Legal Imperative

Promoting responsible digital media use is essential for protecting democratic values, safeguarding privacy, and ensuring sustainable digital transformation. The legal framework alone cannot curb cybercrime; public participation, awareness, and a culture of responsibility are equally crucial.

Key imperatives include

Promoting Digital Citizenship: Citizens must recognize their responsibility to verify information, respect privacy, and avoid harmful content.

Strengthening Cyber Awareness Campaigns: Schools, universities, and NGOs should integrate digital safety modules into curricula.

Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between the ICT Division, telecom operators, and civil society can enhance preventive mechanisms.

Judicial and Law Enforcement Capacity: Specialized training for judges, prosecutors, and cyber police units is essential to ensure fair, rights-based enforcement of laws.

Recommendations

Amend and Harmonize Laws: Align the DSA with international human rights standards while maintaining strong provisions against cyber fraud and terrorism.

Digital Literacy Integration: Introduce mandatory cyber ethics and digital security modules in secondary and tertiary education.

Awareness Campaigns: Launch nationwide programs using television, social media, and community platforms to educate citizens about cyber risks.

Victim Support Systems: Establish confidential hotlines and counseling services, particularly for women and minors.

Regional Cooperation: Strengthen collaboration with South Asian partners for cross-border cybercrime investigations.

Conclusion

Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture in balancing digital growth with the risks of cybercrime and irresponsible media use. Legal reforms, awareness initiatives, and societal responsibility must converge to ensure a safe, rights-based, and inclusive digital future. Responsible use of digital media is not merely about compliance with the law—it is about nurturing a culture of accountability, resilience, and ethical engagement in the digital age.

References (APA 7th Edition)

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