8 Digital Forensic Labs to Be Set Up Across Divisions to Combat Cybercrime, Home Minister.

​Staff Reporter. ​CHATTOGRAM, Digital forensic laboratories will soon be established in all eight divisional headquarters across the country to boost capabilities in detecting cybercrime, analyzing digital evidence, and investigating tech-based offenses, Home Minister Salheddin Ahmed announced yesterday. ​He added that initiatives are also underway to expand the overall scope of cyber investigations from the central level down to district and upazila levels. ​The minister made the remarks while addressing questions from journalists following the inauguration of the "Cyber Police Center" and "Digital Forensic Laboratory" at the Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Lines in Dampara on Wednesday (October 14) at 11:00 AM. ​Constructed under the leadership of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) with financial and technical assistance from the South Korean government, the state-of-the-art facility meets international standards. Expressing high hopes, the Home Minister said, "This modern technology will usher in a new era in police crime investigation and play an effective role in ensuring swift justice through scientific evidence." ​Focus on Tackling Tech-Based Crime ​Highlighting how crime patterns are rapidly evolving globally, the minister noted, "Cyberattacks, various forms of fraud, and even stock market manipulation are occurring via cyberspace. There is no alternative to modern forensic labs to prevent and curb these tech-based crimes. The government is actively working to equip the police with modern technology and skilled manpower." ​He further revealed that a dedicated, specialized police cyber unit officially commenced operations on October 1 under the leadership of an Additional Inspector General of Police (IGP). ​BDT 60 Crore Project ​According to Police Headquarters sources, this initiative is being implemented under the project titled "Safe Cyber Space for Digital Bangladesh." Supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) at a cost of approximately BDT 59.08 crore, the project includes the construction of a four-story modern building at the CMP Lines along with the installation of necessary technologies. Multiple national and international training sessions have already been conducted to train personnel in cybercrime investigation. ​Law and Order Situation ​Responding to queries regarding upcoming local government elections, the political climate, and recent attacks on police officers, the Home Minister asserted, "Every effort is being made to suppress criminals. Encountering resistance or attacks while apprehending criminals is not new, but the government shows zero tolerance when it comes to maintaining law and order. Strict legal action will be taken against anyone who obstructs arrest drives or aids suspects." ​The inauguration ceremony was attended by special guests, including Kim Ji-jun, South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh; Syed Al Noman, Member of Parliament for the Chattogram-10 constituency; and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Ali Hossain Fakir. Presided over by CID Additional IGP Barrister Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain, senior officials from KOICA and Bangladesh Police were also present.