Cyber Crackdown Commences Amid Chaos Concerns
To intensify cyber intelligence operations and monitor potential unrest, the Special Branch (SB) of Bangladesh Police has issued official directives to law enforcement units across the country. A special letter was dispatched on Monday, July 28, to police commissioners of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, City Special Branches, divisional deputy police commissioners, and special superintendents in Chattogram and Khulna, as well as all district superintendents of police, outlining the directives for increased vigilance from July 29 to August 8.
According to the letter, “During this period, controversial fascist forces may attempt to incite nationwide chaos through both online and offline provocative campaigns. They might try to deteriorate law and order by obstructing anti-fascist programs or inciting agitation.”
The letter instructed all police units to monitor local political developments, conduct surveillance on suspicious individuals and vehicles, enhance security at both public and private installations, and—most notably—accelerate cyber intelligence operations throughout the instructed period.
The communication also warns that although the Awami League and its affiliated organizations have been politically inactive, they are reportedly operating a robust online network under the banner of “Virtual Squad.” Despite an official ban on political activities under the interim government, a faction is said to be continuing their activities covertly, both within and outside the country, under pseudonyms across various social media platforms. These “Virtual Squad” entities are allegedly disseminating political disinformation and inciting unrest through Telegram, YouTube, and Facebook channels, with some overseas leaders actively participating in these digital campaigns.
Interior Affairs Advisor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury recently stated to the media, “Allies of the Awami League are trying to destabilize the country. There is a conspiracy underway to repatriate laundered money and fuel political anarchy. Those who are orchestrating unrest from home or abroad will face consequences. We will crack down on them with an iron hand.”
On the matter of operational capability and leadership in cyber patrols, technology and security analyst Tanvir Hassan Zoha emphasized that a collaborative effort between BTRC (Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission), NTMC (National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre), and the police is essential for ensuring cyber security. However, he maintained that police should take primary responsibility when it comes to investigation and legal enforcement.
Speaking to DigiBanglaTech.news, Zoha said, “While BTRC is skilled in network control, it lacks in investigative capacity. NTMC is effective in surveillance and data analysis, but only the police have the authority to conduct on-ground legal operations. Therefore, while joint cooperation is necessary, police leadership must be clearly defined.”
He further added, “Cyber patrol shouldn’t be seen as a week-long campaign; it should be part of a long-term security strategy. A dedicated cyber investigation team, modern AI tools, and a coordinated command structure involving BTRC, NTMC, and police are urgently needed.”
Experts believe that in the face of rising misinformation and provocation on digital platforms, stringent cyber patrol is now a necessity. Online propaganda, they argue, can quickly manifest into real-world instability.
Although the term “cyber patrolling” is not formally recognized in technical lexicon, it is commonly used to refer to cyber monitoring activities. In practice, it involves using specialized software to monitor, collect, and analyze vast streams of online information. Typically, law enforcement agencies employ cyber monitoring to trace individuals or groups involved in criminal activity and determine necessary action.
