In 2025, Bangladesh faces a significant surge in cybercrime activities, reflecting a global trend where digital threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and pervasive. The country’s rapid digitalization, coupled with inadequate cybersecurity infrastructure and awareness, has made it a prime target for cybercriminals. This article delves into the current state of cybercrime in Bangladesh, presenting the latest statistics, identifying prevalent cyber threats, and discussing the government’s efforts to combat this growing menace.
Cybercrime Statistics in Bangladesh (2025)
1. Increase in Cybercrime Incidents
Recent studies indicate a troubling rise in cybercrime incidents across Bangladesh. According to a report by The Business Standard, cybercrime incidents have more than doubled, accounting for 11.85% of total reported crimes in the past year . This uptick underscores the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures.(The Daily Star)
2. Prevalence of Social Media and Online Account Hacking
A study by The Financial Express highlights that social media and online account hacking constitute the most prevalent form of cybercrime in Bangladesh, accounting for 21.65% of reported incidents . The majority of victims are young adults aged between 18 and 30, with a significant proportion being women. The emotional, social, and financial repercussions for victims are profound, yet only a small fraction report these incidents to law enforcement.(The Financial Express, Dhaka Tribune)
3. Emergence of New Cybercrime Types
The Cyber Crime Awareness Foundation’s 2024 report reveals a surge in new types of cybercrimes, with incidents related to pornography doubling to 11.35% of total crimes in just one year . This indicates an evolving threat landscape that requires adaptive and proactive cybersecurity strategies.(The Financial Express)
Prevalent Cyber Threats in Bangladesh
1. Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware remains a significant threat globally, and Bangladesh is no exception. While specific national data for 2025 is limited, global trends indicate that ransomware attacks are projected to cost victims a staggering $57 billion in 2025 . These attacks often target critical infrastructure and businesses, leading to substantial financial losses and operational disruptions.(bdemerson.com)
2. Phishing and Business Email Compromise (BEC)
Phishing attacks and BEC schemes are prevalent in Bangladesh, exploiting individuals and organizations for financial gain. Globally, over $55 billion has been lost to 305,033 domestic and international BEC scams between October 2013 and December 2023 . These attacks often involve deceptive emails that trick recipients into revealing sensitive information or transferring funds.(LinkedIn, The SSL Store)
3. Cryptocurrency-Related Crimes
The rise of cryptocurrency has introduced new avenues for cybercrime. In 2024, addresses identified as illicit accounts received at least $40 billion in funds stolen via crypto crimes . While specific data for Bangladesh is scarce, the global trend suggests that the country may be vulnerable to such activities, especially with the increasing adoption of digital currencies.(The SSL Store)
Government Response and Legal Framework
1. Cyber Security Act, 2023
To address the growing cyber threats, the Bangladesh government enacted the Cyber Security Act, 2023, replacing the Digital Security Act, 2018. The act aimed to enhance digital security by identifying, preventing, suppressing, and prosecuting offenses committed through digital devices . However, the act faced criticism for retaining controversial provisions that were seen as suppressing freedom of expression.(Wikipedia)
2. Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025
In May 2025, the interim government repealed the Cyber Security Act, 2023, and introduced the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025. This move was part of efforts to address the shortcomings of the previous legislation and to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity framework .(Wikipedia)
3. Cyber Crime Investigation Division
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Cyber Crime Investigation Division plays a pivotal role in combating cybercrime. Established in 2016, the division is tasked with countering cyber terrorism and cybercrime in the Dhaka Metropolitan area. It operates through various platforms, including a help desk, hotline numbers, email, and mobile applications, to assist victims and investigate cyber offenses .(Wikipedia)
Challenges in Combating Cybercrime
1. Lack of Cybersecurity Awareness
A significant challenge in combating cybercrime in Bangladesh is the lack of cybersecurity awareness among the general populace. Many individuals are unaware of basic cybersecurity practices, making them susceptible to cyber threats.
2. Insufficient Cybersecurity Infrastructure
Despite efforts to bolster cybersecurity, Bangladesh still faces challenges related to inadequate infrastructure. Many organizations lack robust cybersecurity measures, leaving them vulnerable to attacks.
3. Underreporting of Cybercrimes
As highlighted earlier, a significant proportion of cybercrime incidents go unreported. This underreporting hampers the government’s ability to assess the true scale of the problem and implement effective solutions.(The SSL Store)
Recommendations for Strengthening Cybersecurity
1. Enhancing Public Awareness
Implementing nationwide cybersecurity awareness campaigns can educate the public about safe online practices, helping to reduce the risk of cybercrimes.
2. Investing in Cybersecurity Infrastructure
Both public and private sectors should invest in advanced cybersecurity technologies and infrastructure to protect against evolving cyber threats.
3. Encouraging Cybercrime Reporting
Establishing more accessible and confidential channels for reporting cybercrimes can encourage victims to come forward, aiding in the identification and prosecution of offenders.
4. International Collaboration
Collaborating with international organizations and neighboring countries can help in sharing threat intelligence and combating cross-border cybercrimes.
Conclusion
Cybercrime in Bangladesh has escalated significantly in 2025, posing serious threats to individuals, businesses, and national security. While the government has taken steps to address these challenges through legislation and dedicated agencies, there is a pressing need for a more comprehensive approach that includes public awareness, infrastructure development, and international cooperation. By adopting these measures, Bangladesh can better safeguard its digital landscape and mitigate the impact of cybercrimes.