Dhaka plans 10 years’ jail for cyber crime

The Bangladesh government plans to prescribe 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment for those involved in cyber crime.A bill approved by the cabinet will be introduced during parliament’s session likely to begin in June to ensure legitimacy and security of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This was one of the poll promises made by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League along with a vision of a ‘Digital Bangladesh 2020′.

The government was acting to curb cyber crimes against the backdrop of rapid growth of ICT and telecommunication networks in Bangladesh, officials told New Age newspaper.

Besides 10 years’ imprisonment, the proposed law also provides for a Taka ten million ($14,300 approximately) in penalty for breaking into computer networks and putting false and libellous information or indecent materials on line.

For speedy and effective prosecution of the offences, the government in consultation with the Supreme Court will set up one or more tribunals.

Bangladesh’s ICT industry has been making rapid strides with over five million personal computers now in use in the country with three million Internet users, according to industry insiders.