The dark side of rapid technological advancement has manifested in a surge of cyberbullying across Bangladesh, with artificial intelligence (AI) becoming a preferred weapon for digital predators. Recent cases involving young women, such as a university student from Dhaka and a resident of Shanir Akhra, highlight a disturbing trend where AI-generated obscene content is used for social humiliation and blackmail. In many instances, the perpetrators are not strangers but close relatives or acquaintances, complicating the emotional and social trauma for the victims. This wave of digital harassment is overwhelming law enforcement agencies and sparking calls for urgent public awareness.
According to the latest data from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Branch (DB) Cyber Support Center, the volume of complaints has reached unprecedented levels. Between November 20 of last year and April 30 of this year, a total of 905 cyber-related General Diaries (GD) were filed. Among these, 130 cases specifically involved cyberbullying, while financial fraud via Telegram accounted for 237 complaints. Other frequent crimes include Facebook-based scams, hacking of personal IDs, and mobile banking fraud. The sheer number of cases is straining the resources of specialized police units as they struggle to keep up with the influx of complaints.
The use of AI-generated deepfakes is particularly alarming. Criminals are increasingly using AI to create fake, explicit images and videos of women to extort money or damage their reputations. In one investigation, police discovered that a victim`s own cousin had created a fake social media profile to circulate AI-manipulated content. Another victim was blackmailed after a suspect gained control of her account through a deceptive relationship. These incidents underscore the vulnerability of social media users to sophisticated technological manipulations that were once the stuff of science fiction.
In response to this crisis, the DB Cyber and Special Crime Unit has established a "Recovery Ranger Team" led by an Additional Deputy Commissioner. This 14-member specialized team focuses on recovering stolen devices and restoring hacked social media or Gmail accounts. DC Md. Shahriar Alam of the Cyber Support Center stated that they are utilizing every available resource to assist victims and have launched a dedicated hotline (01320202020) for rapid response. However, experts note that while services in metropolitan areas are improving, the capacity of police in rural districts remains a significant challenge for nationwide cyber protection.
Beyond law enforcement, cybersecurity experts emphasize that individual caution is the first line of defense. Kazi Mustafiz, President of the Cyber Crime Awareness Foundation Trust, advises users to implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all digital platforms. This security layer prevents unauthorized access even if a password is stolen. Experts also warn against clicking on suspicious phishing links and urge users to keep their software updated. As AI technology continues to evolve, the combination of legal action and technological literacy remains the only way to navigate the increasingly dangerous digital landscape of Bangladesh safely.
