With the increasing use of technology and the internet, cybercrime has become a significant issue worldwide. Bangladesh is no exception to this trend. The country has seen a rise in cybercrime in recent years, prompting the government to implement stricter laws and penalties for those caught committing such crimes. In this article, we will discuss the penalties for cybercrime in Bangladesh, including the types of crimes and the punishments associated with them.
The Digital Security Act of Bangladesh specifies various punishments for different offenses related to computer and digital media. These include unauthorized access or damage to computer systems, dissemination of false information, propaganda against the state, dissemination of harmful religious beliefs, and unauthorized online transactions by financial institutions. Punishments range from fines and imprisonment for up to three years for some offenses, to imprisonment for life and fines of up to one crore taka for others. Repeat offenders may face more severe punishment.
Cybercrime is a growing problem in Bangladesh, and the penalties for committing such crimes are severe. The government of Bangladesh has taken measures to prevent cybercrime, but individuals and organizations must also take responsibility for protecting themselves against cyber threats. By being cautious online, using strong passwords, updating software, and reporting suspicious activity, we can all play a role in preventing cybercrime in Bangladesh.
Types of Cybercrime in Bangladesh
There are various types of cybercrime that can be committed in Bangladesh, including:
The ICT Act outlines several offenses related to cybercrime. These include:
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- Hacking – Unauthorized access to computer systems or networks.
- Data theft – Stealing or copying data from a computer system or network without permission.
- Electronic fraud – Using electronic means to defraud someone, such as phishing or credit card fraud.
- Spamming – Sending unsolicited emails or messages to a large number of people.
- Identity theft – Impersonating someone online to gain access to their accounts or sensitive information.
- Child pornography – Creating, possessing, or distributing explicit images or videos of minors.
- Cyber-terrorism – Using the internet or other electronic means to incite fear or cause harm to people or property.
Penalties for Cybercrime in Bangladesh
The Digital Security Act 2020, enacted in Bangladesh, is designed to address various forms of cybercrime and digital security breaches. The act includes severe punishments for individuals found guilty of violating its provisions. In this article, we will discuss the punishments for various offences under the Digital Security Act 2020. The penalties for different types of cybercrime in Bangladesh are as follows:
- Section 17 Unlawful entry and damage to computer systems: According to section 17, if any person unlawfully enters a computer system with important information and attempts to cause damage, destruction, or malfunction, then the punishment is imprisonment for up to seven years and a fine of 25 lakh taka. The maximum sentence for causing damage is 14 years of imprisonment and a fine of one crore taka.
- Section 18 Unlawful access to computer systems or electronic devices: According to section 18, if a person unlawfully accesses or assists in accessing a computer system or electronic device, then the punishment is a maximum of three years’ imprisonment and a fine of 10 lakh taka.
- Section 19 Unauthorized collection of data, information, or documents from computer systems: According to section 19, if any person collects any data, information, or document from a computer system or storage device without authorization, then the punishment is imprisonment for up to seven years and a fine of 10 lakh taka.
- Section 20 Changing or destroying computer source code: According to section 20, if anyone changes or destroys computer source code, then the punishment is a maximum of three years’ imprisonment and a fine of three lakh taka.
- Section 21 Propagation or publication of propaganda against national symbols through digital media: According to section 21, if any person propagates or publishes any propaganda against the Bangladesh Liberation War, the spirit of the liberation war, the father of the nation, national anthem, or national flag through digital media, then the punishment is imprisonment for up to 14 years and a fine.
- Section 25 (A) Transmission of false, intimidating, or fearful information through any means: In clause (A) of Section 25, it is stated that if any person knowingly transmits false, intimidating, or fearful information, or publishes or disseminates such information through any means, which even if it is known to be false or intended to cause annoyance, insult, or defamation to any person, or if any information is published, disseminated or assisted to be published or disseminated in a completely or partially distorted form with the intention of undermining the image or reputation of the state, or causing confusion or spreading falsehoods, then such actions will be considered an offense. The punishment for this offense is imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding 300,000 taka, or both. For a second or subsequent offense, the punishment is imprisonment for a term of 5 years and a fine of 500,000 taka, or both.
- Section 27 Offenses jeopardizing national unity, security, and sovereignty: According to section 27, if any person jeopardizes national unity, security, and sovereignty and spreads fear among the people by committing offenses such as espionage, sabotage, sedition, rebellion, terrorism, or violence, then he/she will be punished with imprisonment for life or a term not less than seven years, and a fine.
- Section 28 Dissemination of religious belief or sentiment causing harm through digital media: According to section 28, if any person or group intentionally disseminates through digital media any religious belief or sentiment that causes harm, either by their own will or publicly, they will face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of 20 lakh taka.
- Section 29 Violation of laws by breaking the penal code in any electronic format: According to section 29, if any person violates any law by breaking the penal code in any electronic format, such as a website or any other electronic structure, they will face a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a fine of five lakh taka.
- Section 30 Illegal online transactions by banks, insurance, or financial service institutions: According to section 30, if any bank, insurance, or financial service institution carries out online transactions without legal authorization using electronic or digital means, they may face up to five years in prison, a fine of five lakh taka, or both penalties.
- Section 32 Crime of computer or digital espionage: According to section 32, if any person enters any government, non-government, autonomous or statutory body using illegal means and possesses, transmits, or stores any type of confidential or highly confidential information through a computer, digital device, computer network, or any other electronic media or assists in its preservation, they will be considered to have committed a crime of computer or digital espionage. Therefore, the concerned person will face a punishment as determined by the relevant authority.The relevant person will be punished with imprisonment of not less than 14 years or a fine of not less than 25 lakh taka or both for this offense. And if the same person commits this offense again or repeatedly, they will be punished with life imprisonment or a fine of one crore taka or both.
- Section 34 Hacking: According to section 34, if someone does any hacking, they will be sentenced to a maximum of 14 years in prison. The penalty is one crore taka.
These penalties apply to both individuals and organizations involved in cybercrime. In addition to these penalties, those found guilty of cybercrime may also be required to compensate the victim for any damages caused.
Preventing Cybercrime in Bangladesh
The government of Bangladesh has taken several measures to prevent cybercrime in the country. One such measure is the establishment of the Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) in 1989. The BCC is responsible for promoting the use of ICT in the country and has implemented several programs to increase awareness about cybercrime and how to prevent it.
Individuals and organizations can take several steps to prevent cybercrime in Bangladesh, including:
- Using strong passwords – Use strong, unique passwords for all online accounts, and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
- Updating software and operating systems – Keep software and operating systems up to date to protect against security vulnerabilities.
- Using anti-virus software – Use anti-virus software to protect against malware and other types of cyber threats.
- Being cautious online – Be cautious when using the internet and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from untrusted sources.
- Reporting suspicious activity – Report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Digital Security Act 2020 in Bangladesh has provisions for severe punishments for various forms of cybercrime and digital security breaches. It is crucial to ensure that the law is enforced judiciously and with sensitivity to prevent it from being misused to curtail freedom of expression or silence legitimate dissent.
It is essential to note that the Digital Security Act 2020 in Bangladesh has faced criticism from various quarters due to concerns about the potential for abuse of the law to silence legitimate dissent or curtail freedom of expression. Thus, it is crucial to ensure that the law is implemented with caution and in a manner that protects the fundamental rights of citizens.
Therefore, it is crucial to raise awareness about cybercrime and its prevention measures to protect oneself and others. Individuals and organizations must take appropriate steps to secure their digital assets and protect sensitive information from cybercriminals.
In summary, cybercrime is a severe issue in Bangladesh, and the penalties for committing such crimes are strict. Prevention measures, such as using strong passwords, updating software, and being cautious online, can help individuals and organizations protect themselves against cyber threats. By taking these steps, we can work together to prevent cybercrime and safeguard the digital infrastructure of Bangladesh.