Cybercrime and Criminal Justice in Bangladesh
An Examination of Emerging Threats and Legal Responses
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18034/abcjar.v15i1.804Keywords:
Cybercrime, Criminal Justice, Bangladesh, Cyber Security Act 2023, Cyber Security Act 2026, Digital Evidence, Cyber GovernanceAbstract
Cybercrime has emerged as a significant challenge for contemporary criminal justice systems, particularly in developing countries undergoing rapid digital transformation. This study critically examines the relationship between emerging cybercrime threats and criminal justice responses in Bangladesh through a socio-legal review approach. Drawing upon legislative documents, official reports, and relevant scholarly literature, the study explores the evolving cyber threat landscape, assesses Bangladesh's legal and regulatory responses, and evaluates the institutional capacities of criminal justice actors responsible for preventing, investigating, prosecuting, and adjudicating cyber offenses. The findings indicate that Bangladesh has made substantial progress through successive legislative reforms, evolving from the Information and Communication Technology Act 2006 and the Digital Security Act 2018 to the Cyber Security Act 2023 and, most recently, the Cyber Security Act 2026. Nevertheless, significant challenges remain in areas such as digital forensic capabilities, electronic evidence management, institutional coordination, specialized human resource development, cross-border cooperation, and operational preparedness. The study further highlights the growing implications of emerging cyber threats, including ransomware, AI-assisted fraud, deepfakes, synthetic identity crimes, and other technology-enabled offenses. It argues that effective cyber justice requires more than legislative reform, emphasizing the need for stronger institutional capacity, rights-sensitive cyber governance, continuous professional training, effective implementation of the Cyber Security Act 2026, and enhanced international collaboration. The study contributes to the growing body of socio-legal scholarship on cybercrime and offers evidence-informed policy recommendations for strengthening Bangladesh's cyber resilience and criminal justice system.
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