Protecting Data in Digital Bangladesh

The article addresses the absence of data protection law in Bangladesh as the Digital Bangladesh vision expanded cellular subscriptions and digitised state functions such as e-TIN registration and passport applications.

It writes: ‘However, it is quite unfortunate that the government has not yet formulated any legislation or policy on data protection.’ It recommends that Bangladesh legislate on the model of the Data Protection Principles formulated by the European Union, and argues that a mechanism established now will cost less than rebuilding database infrastructure later.

It concludes: ‘Therefore, to protect the personal data and privacy of ordinary citizens, it is essential that the government establishes a robust and effective data protection mechanism in Bangladesh.’