Any nation looking to take the next step in its development journey cannot do so without having the defense architecture that keeps pace with the growth.
To that end, we must heed the warning from security and technology experts who have made it clear that Bangladesh’s critical infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable.
In particular, given the exponential expansion of technology and how it is being weaponized for nefarious purposes, beyond simply physical defense, we must urgently strengthen our cyber spaces as well.
Let it be known that this is not a theoretical concern but a real, immediate national security issue, one that Bangladesh can no longer afford to treat as secondary.
Essential systems such as power grids, telecom networks, financial services, ports, and public utilities are all exposed to risks that could disrupt daily life, undermine economic stability, and compromise national sovereignty.
As Bangladesh develops and embraces technology, the threat landscape expands just as quickly, and we must not only recognize this reality, but actively work to address it.
Cyberattacks on critical infrastructure are no longer rare globally but are becoming routine tools of geopolitical pressure, criminal extortion, and sabotage.
Indeed, Bangladesh’s own experience in recent years shows how vulnerable we are. The call for stronger defenses is therefore not merely prudent but necessary.
Protecting critical infrastructure of course is not only about technology but, much like any other issues, equally about governance. Without good governance, even the best tools will fail.
Our future development ambitions depend on stable, secure systems. Be it power, transport, banking, communications, or any other major sector, they all rely on infrastructure that must be defended against increasingly sophisticated threats.
We cannot wait for a crisis to expose its vulnerabilities and must instead act decisively and without delay to ensure these threats remain at bay for the safety and security of our people.
