A New Chapter in Bangladesh Police History as Independent Cyber Police Unit Begins Operations

A new chapter has opened in history of Bangladesh Police with formal launch of an independent and specialized Cyber Police Unit aimed at combating cybercrime, strengthening digital security and enhancing technology-driven investigative capabilities.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed formally inaugurated unit Thursday at Hall of Integrity at Police Headquarters in Dhaka.

Following inauguration, home minister briefed journalists at Hall of Pride on newly established unit's organizational structure, manpower, training, technological capabilities and operational plans.

Minister said as nature of crime continues to evolve and artificial intelligence develops rapidly, traditional policing methods alone are no longer sufficient. Building modern, technology-driven and knowledge-based capabilities has therefore become essential, he said.

"It is with this objective that independent Cyber Police Unit has been established," minister said.

How Cyber Police Unit came into being

Initiative to establish dedicated cyber police unit had been under discussion for several months.

In May this year, government announced plans to establish separate cyber police unit to combat digital crimes, online rumours and misinformation spread through social media.

Subsequently, on Sept 21, Police-3 Branch of Ministry of Home Affairs informed inspector general of police through official letter that government had given policy approval for formation of specialized and independent Cyber Police Unit within organizational structure of Bangladesh Police.

Initially, it was decided unit would begin operations under leadership of an additional IGP using existing manpower and equipment. Police Headquarters was also instructed to submit proposals regarding full organizational structure, creation of new posts, vehicles and necessary logistical support.

At medal distribution ceremony held Sept 26 as part of Police Week 2026, home minister said separate cyber security unit would be established very soon. He also outlined plans to establish branches at metropolitan, divisional and district levels and provide modern technological equipment at police stations and district offices.

On Sept 30, reports said unit would formally begin operations following day with its inauguration by home minister at Police Headquarters. Additional IGP Md Iqbal Hossain was also expected to lead new unit.

Additional IGP to lead unit

Home minister said new Cyber Police Unit would operate under leadership of an additional IGP. Initially, Additional IGP Md Iqbal Hossain has been assigned to lead unit.

At divisional level, DIGs and additional DIGs will be involved in cyber-related activities, while at district level, superintendents of police or other senior officers designated for responsibility will oversee cyber operations.

At police station level, separate sub-inspectors, assistant sub-inspectors and constables will be assigned under supervision of officers-in-charge to provide cyber-related services and conduct investigations.

According to approved organizational structure, unit will have total sanctioned manpower of 4,592 personnel, officials said during press briefing.

Experienced and trained members of existing police force will initially be deployed, while manpower will gradually be expanded through new recruitment.

Technology experts to join

Cyber Police Unit will not rely solely on conventional policing expertise. Plans are in place to recruit technically skilled professionals to ensure international-standard capabilities.

Provision has also been made for outsourcing and contractual appointments of specialists in various fields.

Planned specialist positions include system analysts, financial data analysts, cyber security experts, network administrators, dark web analysts, crypto analysts, malware analysts, social media analysts, emergency response consultants and disaster recovery experts, among others.

Police personnel with expertise and training in information technology and cyber-related fields will also be given priority for deployment to unit.

Home minister said officers and specialists working in unit would receive advanced training at home and abroad. Special incentives would also be introduced based on their professional contributions.

Digital forensic laboratories

Plans have also been undertaken to establish modern digital forensic laboratories equipped with advanced technology and cyber investigation tools under new unit.

Laboratories are expected to strengthen police's capacity to collect, preserve and analyze digital evidence from electronic devices, online communications, financial transactions and other digital sources.

Earlier, government had also announced initiatives to expand digital forensic and cyber laboratories in Chattogram alongside Dhaka. These facilities are part of broader efforts to enhance technological capabilities of police.

Cyber investigations under unified structure

At present, cybercrime investigations, digital evidence collection and forensic analysis are conducted by various units of police. Criminal Investigation Department, cyber-related units of Dhaka Metropolitan Police and other specialized branches already possess such capabilities.

New unit is intended to bring these activities under more coordinated and unified framework.

Home minister said cyber investigations that were previously conducted in relatively fragmented manner across different units would now be brought under more organized structure.

He expressed hope that new unit would play significant role in preventing and combating misuse of cyberspace and various forms of cybercrime.

Senior Secretary of Ministry of Home Affairs Manzur Morshed Chowdhury, Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir, and other senior police officials were present at press briefing.

Bangladesh Police's future action plan had also set target of establishing independent Cyber Police Unit by 2026. Formal launch of specialized unit therefore marks culmination of long-standing initiative to strengthen Bangladesh's institutional capacity to tackle growing challenges of cybercrime and digital security.