Bangladesh, Russia to form joint working group on cyber security

FT ONLINE

Bangladesh and Russia reached a consensus on forming a joint working group on cyber security as State Minister for ICT Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak last night held a bilateral meeting with Russian Communications and Mass Media Minister Nikolai Nikiforov in Moscow.

According to ICT division sources, Palak at the meeting sought Russian help in ensuring cyber security in Bangladesh, saying, "Bangladesh has done wonders in the field of ICT in last nine years as the area of digital activities has expanded hundredfold. But with this, the risk of cyber threat has also increased and we want to achieve world class ability in tackling such threats with the help from friendly nations like Russia."

Nikolai Nikiforov responded positively and emphasized on taking appropriate steps in expanding the ground of mutual cooperation on cyber security.

The Russian minister also agreed on exchanging advance information on possible cyber attack to tackle such threats. He also agreed on Russian help in establishing a 'Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security' in Bangladesh.

Both the Bangladesh and Russia decided to sign a memorandum of understanding to make the e-governance activities more fruitful.

Bangladesh envoy in Russia Dr SM Saiful Haque and project director of Sylhet Electronics City Barrister Md Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan, were present on the occasion, among others.