Bangladesh, China Vow to Strengthen Cooperation on Cybersecurity, Law Enforcement

Minister Salahuddin Ahmed held a courtesy meeting with outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen at the Home Ministry in the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in cybersecurity, law enforcement and public security.

The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, with discussions focusing on security and law enforcement, combating cybercrime, enhancing technological capabilities and exchanging training and expertise.

At the outset, Ambassador Yao Wen informed the home minister that he would complete his tenure and leave Bangladesh in early October. He also conveyed warm greetings from China's Minister of Public Security.

The ambassador conveyed an invitation from the Chinese Minister of Public Security for the Bangladesh home minister to visit China and attend a public security forum, where the two ministers could meet and discuss ways to expand bilateral cooperation.

Both Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Ambassador Yao Wen underscored the importance of strengthening technological capabilities, particularly in maintaining law and order and combating cybercrime.

The Chinese ambassador said that over the past two years, China had provided training to more than 100 members of Bangladesh's law enforcement agencies in areas including cybercrime, public security management, traffic and transportation management, immigration and United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Expressing deep appreciation for China's cooperation, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the government had taken initiatives to establish a specialized Cyber Security Unit within the police force and develop necessary infrastructure.

He said plans were also being implemented to establish digital forensic laboratories and cyber laboratories at different levels-from police stations, districts and divisions to central-level units.

During the meeting, Ambassador Yao Wen suggested that China could send a team of experts to Bangladesh to share technical expertise on cybercrime prevention and facilitate visits to Chinese cyber laboratories.

In response, the home minister announced that Bangladesh would send a five-member high-level delegation to China, led by an Additional Inspector General of Police from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), along with an Additional Deputy Inspector General and police officers specializing in cybercrime and digital forensics.

The delegation will visit Chinese cyber laboratories, observe advanced technologies and assess relevant systems, with a view to preparing specific proposals for establishing forensic laboratories and procuring necessary equipment in Bangladesh.

Ambassador Yao Wen said China is currently Bangladesh's top development partner and one of its leading sources of investment. He requested the home minister to ensure the overall safety and security of Chinese citizens, businesspeople and investors working in Bangladesh.

In response, Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said, China is not only our leading investor but also one of our key strategic development partners.

He reiterated the government's firm commitment to ensuring the highest level of protection and security for all Chinese citizens, businesspeople and personnel working on development projects in Bangladesh.

Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir, Additional Inspector General of Police and CID Chief Barrister Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain, Additional Secretary of the Political and Immigration Wing of the Ministry of Home Affairs Dr Ziauddin Ahmed, among others, were present at the meeting.