Government plans to set up cyber units from police stations to districts: Home minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said the government is taking initiatives to strengthen the police with modern technology and skilled personnel to tackle the growing spread of crime in digital and cyberspace.

He said there are plans to establish specialised units and designate responsible officers to deal with cybercrime at the district, police station and upazila levels, in addition to the Police Headquarters, Dhaka Metropolitan Police and divisional levels.

The home minister made the remarks as the chief guest at an event marking the 43rd founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Crime Reporters Association in Segunbagicha on Wednesday afternoon.

He said the nature of crime is changing rapidly. With crime increasing particularly in online and cyberspace, it has become essential to strengthen the capacity to conduct forensic examinations of electronic devices and analyse digital information for crime detection and investigation.

Salahuddin Ahmed said initiatives were being taken to establish modern cyber security units to enhance police capabilities. The government plans to set up modern cyber security units and laboratories at Police Headquarters, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police and divisional levels. Plans are also being considered to establish units at the district level and designate officers responsible for cybercrime issues at police stations and upazilas.

Earlier, at a meeting of the Police Staff College Board of Governors on September 15, the home minister had also said the government was planning to establish a full-fledged and institutional cyber security unit headed by an additional inspector general of police to combat cybercrime.

Salahuddin Ahmed said existing laws alone may not always be sufficient to deal with emerging forms of crime. New laws need to be enacted and existing ones amended in line with changing crime patterns and the demands of the time. If the law is weak in a particular area, an accused person may obtain bail or be released soon after arrest, he said.

The minister also stressed the need to identify the underlying causes of crime rather than relying solely on arrests and punishment. In his view, crimes committed in society can sometimes be symptoms of deeper problems. He also noted that many serious crimes are linked to drug addiction and gambling.

Salahuddin Ahmed said controlling the spread of gambling and drugs could potentially help reduce other crimes associated with them. He said society therefore needs to analyse and conduct research into the causes of crime.

The home minister also spoke about improving the safety and professional capabilities of crime reporters. He said the government would explore whether journalists who face risks while reporting on crime could be supported through government initiatives or corporate social responsibility programmes.

Referring to crime reporting as being largely part of investigative journalism, he said such reporting involves risks. As the nature of crime changes, journalists also need to improve their skills in technology and emerging forms of crime.

The home minister said the government was also considering introducing certification for crime reporters. He suggested examining whether the Home Ministry or the police could issue certificates recognising work involving risks and investigative journalism.

He further said the media has an important role to play in creating social awareness alongside law enforcement efforts to reduce crime. Controlling crime requires coordinated efforts involving lawmaking, law enforcement, the justice system and the responsible role of journalists.