Cybercrime and Criminal Justice in Bangladesh

An Examination of Emerging Threats and Legal Responses

Abstract

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 while Bangladesh has made considerable progress through successive legislative reforms, culminating in the Cyber Security Act 2023, significant challenges remain in areas such as digital forensic capabilities, electronic evidence management, human resource development, cross-border cooperation, and institutional preparedness. The study further highlights the growing implications of emerging threats, including ransomware, AI-assisted fraud, deepfakes, and synthetic identity crimes. It argues that effective cyber justice requires more than legal reform and calls for adaptive institutions, rights-sensitive cyber governance, continuous capacity building, and enhanced international collaboration. The study contributes to the growing body of socio-legal scholarship on cybercrime and offers evidence-informed recommendations for strengthening Bangladesh's cyber resilience and criminal justice responses.