The government has taken an initiative to establish a dedicated cell under the Prime Minister’s Office to combat cyberbullying and strengthen digital safety, according to sources at the PMO.
The move, cleared in principle by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, aims to create a central mechanism to respond to online harassment, particularly on social media platforms, and to provide faster support to victims in a respectful and sensitive manner.
PMO sources said the proposed unit would be part of a broader plan to build a National Online Safety System, designed to offer a simple and accessible way for users to report cyber-related abuse.
The system is expected to include a 24-hour hotline, an online reporting portal, and trained response teams tasked with handling complaints related to cyberbullying, threats, impersonation, and the spread of private information.
Contacted by The Daily Star, an official involved in the planning said, “The idea is to make the reporting process easy and quick so that victims, especially women and young users, feel safe to come forward.”
Officials said details of the structure, staffing, and launch timeline of the PMO-led cell are expected to be finalised soon.
According to sources, the PMO will provide overall policy direction and oversee coordination, while several ministries and agencies are expected to be involved in implementation, including those dealing with information technology, law enforcement, and education.
The initiative comes at a time when the government has identified a rise in online harassment, particularly targeting women and young people.
Speaking to this correspondent, an adviser to the prime minister said cyberbullying has become a serious social issue, with many women facing abuse, threats, and harassment on social media platforms.
“This is not only a digital problem; it is a social problem. It affects people’s mental health and their ability to participate freely in public life,” he said, adding that while existing government units are already working on cybercrime issues, a more coordinated and centralised approach is needed.
Another PM adviser with the rank of state minister said cyberbullying has become a serious concern in the current context, with ministers, their family members, and women leaders increasingly targeted by coordinated smear campaigns, which need to be put a stop to.
PMO insiders said the planned system will place special focus on crimes against women and children, online stalking, identity misuse, and abusive content on social media.
There are also plans to engage with major social media companies to improve moderation in the Bangla language, allowing harmful content to be identified and removed faster.
Alongside enforcement, the initiative also includes an awareness and education component. Schools and universities are expected to introduce practical digital safety training, especially during student orientation programmes.
Teachers may be trained to act as “safety focal points”, providing guidance to students on how to deal with online risks. Annual awareness campaigns are also being considered to help young users navigate digital spaces responsibly, PMO sources said.
However, the complaint-receiving mechanism of the cell is yet to be finalised. Sources said the proposed cyber cell will operate as a central coordination hub, receiving complaints through a hotline and online portal and directing them to relevant agencies for immediate action.
Once a complaint is filed, trained responders will verify the case, classify the type of abuse, and forward it to specialised units, including law enforcement, digital forensics teams, and regulatory bodies.
For urgent cases involving threats, harassment, or the spread of private images, authorities will prioritise rapid response, including content removal requests and victim protection measures.
The cell is also expected to maintain direct communication channels with major social media platforms to flag harmful content in both English and Bangla and seek quicker takedown.
Officials said a tracking system will allow complainants to monitor the progress of their cases, aiming to improve transparency and trust in the system.
In cases involving coordinated smear campaigns or repeated harassment, the cell may initiate deeper investigations by linking multiple complaints and identifying organised networks.
The proposed initiative is in line with the BNP’s election manifesto, which promised the establishment of a National Cyber Security Centre to coordinate efforts across government and private sectors.
The manifesto states that the goal is to ensure that no citizen -- including children, students, and women -- faces harassment from cyberbullying, and that victims can seek immediate help from authorities.
