The rapid evolution of technology has allowed everyone access to an unprecedented world of knowledge, but it has also paved the way for a rise in network-based crimes, or cybercrimes, many of which are centered around the internet.  In Bangladesh, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Telegram have become increasingly instrumental in facilitating criminal activities, ranging from identity theft and fraud to online gambling and blackmail. As more people turn to the internet for communication and business, criminals have seized the opportunity to exploit these platforms for nefarious purposes.  The most common cybercrimes in Bangladesh today include identity hacking, fake account creation, online multi-level marketing scams and gambling. Blackmailing on Social Media One of the most distressing types of cybercrime is blackmailing.   Shobha (not her real name), 25, experienced this firsthand when she was in a long-distance relationship with a man she met on Facebook. What began as friendly exchanges soon escalated into inappropriate requests for revealing photos during video calls. Shobha, trusting the man, complied. But soon after, his behaviour took a dark turn. He began demanding large sums of money and when she refused, he threatened to publish her photos and videos online.  AI now capable of self-replication; scientists fear ‘red line’ crossed The situation left her traumatised, but with the help of a senior mentor and the Cyber Crime Department in Bangladesh, Shobha was able to have the images removed from the man's account. However, the emotional scars of the incident remained long after. Fraud Through Fake Facebook Pages Another rampant issue is online fraud, particularly through fake Facebook pages. Anik (a pseudonym), for example, ordered a pair of branded shoes from a seemingly trustworthy Facebook page that featured glowing reviews and a large following.  The page required advance payment, which Anik made in good faith. However, weeks passed, and the shoes never arrived. Despite multiple attempts to contact the seller, Anik was left empty-handed and out of pocket. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident—many victims fall prey to similar scams daily. Honey Trap Targeting Young Men Perhaps one of the most concerning cybercrimes that has gained traction in recent years is the “honey trap.”  Deputy Commissioner Md Najmul Islam, former Additional Deputy Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Department of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), explained that this scam typically begins on Facebook, then shifts to WhatsApp, where video calls are made.  The scammer, posing as a woman, will engage the victim in conversation and eventually ask them to make video calls in private settings like bathrooms. The ultimate goal of the scam is to extort money by threatening to release compromising videos of the victim.  The perpetrators often operate from outside Bangladesh, with many cases originating from India.  The mental and emotional toll on victims has been devastating, with some driven to extreme measures, including suicide, due to the relentless blackmailing. Trump signs executive order on developing artificial intelligence 'free from ideological bias' Growing Online Gambling  In recent years, online gambling has become a dangerous addiction, especially among the youth in Bangladesh.  The lure of quick earnings, combined with the easy accessibility of gambling platforms via smartphones, has made it a serious problem.  Deputy Commissioner Shahjahan Hossain of the Cyber Crime Division of DMP pointed out that while laws to prevent public gambling exist, their enforcement remains weak. “We lack specific legislation addressing cyber gambling. However, combating these issues is a priority under the government’s new initiatives,” he said. The dangerous allure of online gambling is further exacerbated by the lack of regulation, which has led to widespread addiction and financial loss among young people. Instagram: A Hotbed for Harassment  Social media platforms like Instagram have also become breeding grounds for cybercrimes.  Najmul Islam explained that one of the most common offenses on Instagram is cyberstalking. Perpetrators use the platform to harass individuals, sometimes by exploiting the personal information they find on victims' profiles to locate and intimidate them in real life. Another prevalent crime on Instagram is fraud, where criminals use the platform to advertise fake products or services. These fraudulent ads often lead to significant financial losses for unsuspecting users. Motive Behind Cybercrimes The driving force behind most of these cybercrimes is the desire to make or extort money. Whether through blackmail, fraud, or online gambling, the perpetrators are motivated by financial gain, often at the expense of innocent individuals. Top Free Prompt Engineering Courses Online in 2025 A Call for Tougher Laws As these cybercrimes continue to escalate, experts are calling for stronger laws and more robust enforcement.  The government of Bangladesh has made strides in addressing cybercrime through new initiatives, but the complexity and ever-evolving nature of these crimes make it a constant battle. Cybercrime may have its roots in technology, but its impact is very real—affecting victims emotionally, financially and psychologically, experts said.  As social media platforms continue to play a significant role in daily life, it is crucial for both the public and the authorities to remain vigilant and proactive in combating these modern-day crimes, sufferers said.

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (March 19, 2023) asked law enforcement agencies to take action against cybercrime and the trend of teen gangs. “We’ll have to monitor cybercrimes and take action accordingly. RAB and intelligence agencies will have to play a decisive role in this regard,” she said. The prime minister was speaking at the 19th founding anniversary of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) at the force’s headquarters in Dhaka’s Kurmitola. Saying that her government developed the country as “Digital Bangladesh”, the PM said cybercrimes have increased as the scope of digitization expanded. Also Read: PM meets UK’s cross-party delegation, discusses Rohingya Sheikh Hasina said the aim of Digital Bangladesh is to ensure the wellbeing of the people, not to cause distress. She said there are some anti-state forces. They see “nothing, no matter how much advancement Bangladesh achieves.” There is another section of people who “defame Bangladesh to foreigners and secure financial or other benefits through this,” the PM said. Talking about the US sanction imposed on RAB officials, the premier asked RAB personnel not to be upset at what others said about them but rather move ahead resolutely. “This is our country that was freed through the sacrifice of blood… We know who does what and we’ll assess accordingly. We have to work with confidence,” she said. Read More: Man killed in RAB gunfire for 'protesting neighbour's arrest,' family says “We will have to identify those who carry out propaganda and defame Bangladesh. We will have to find out why they are doing it and their purpose,” she added. The PM said Bangladeshis can judge who has done good or bad. “If anyone commits an offense, we must speak about it. Don’t be upset at what some people are saying. You will have to move ahead with a sense of self-esteem and confidence,” she said. About the rising trend of teen gangs, Sheikh Hasina said parents, teachers and public representatives alongside law enforcers must take responsibility to put an end to the culture of teen gangs. “The teen gangs must be stopped,” she said. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and RAB Director General Additional IGP M Khurshid Hossain also spoke at the programme. Read More: 8 arrested while trying to rob a RAB vehicle in Narayanganj: RAB

Cybercriminals shifted away from stealing individual consumers’ information in 2020 to focus on bigger, more profitable attacks on businesses, according to a report from the Identity Theft Resource Center.