Ensure Cyber Security for Upcoming Elections and Referendum: Chief Adviser

Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chairman of the National Cyber Security Council and Chief Adviser to the Interim Government, has directed the National Cyber Security Agency to ensure comprehensive cyber security ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections and referendum.

The Chief Adviser gave these instructions while presiding over a meeting of the National Cyber Security Council at the state guest house, Jamuna, on Sunday (December 28).

“We must enhance our technological capabilities and sternly deal with all forms of cybercrime in view of the upcoming elections,” the Chief Adviser said. He noted that the government is working to bring all citizen services onto online platforms. To keep these services secure and uninterrupted, strengthening cyber security is essential.

Professor Yunus instructed relevant officials to prioritize citizen service sectors. He emphasized that the Cyber Security Agency and other institutions must regularly update their software and hardware, while also training personnel to be more skilled. He further proposed a rating system for institutions and their staff to facilitate accurate evaluations of their cyber security status.

The Chief Adviser also directed the Agency to work alongside the judiciary to ensure that financial sector crimes do not go unpunished.

During the meeting, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and ICT, noted that 35 institutions have already been listed as Critical Information Infrastructure (CII). He stressed the importance of coordination between the Agency and BTRC to prevent rumors, misinformation, and disinformation during the election period.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur, Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul, and IGP Baharul Alam were among those present. The National Cyber Security Council was formed on August 26, 2025, following the promulgation of the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025 on May 21.