Cyber Crime Unit Bangladesh – How to File a Complaint with CID Cyber Police

The Cyber Crime Unit of Bangladesh is a specialized division within the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Bangladesh Police, headquartered in Dhaka. Established to address the growing threat of digital crime in Bangladesh, the unit is staffed by trained cyber investigators, digital forensics experts, and legally qualified officers who possess the technical expertise to investigate crimes committed through computers, mobile devices, the internet, and digital networks.

The unit operates under the direct authority of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and is empowered to investigate cases under multiple laws including the Cyber Security Act, 2023 (which replaced the Digital Security Act, 2018), the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Act, 2006 (as amended in 2013), the Pornography Control Act, 2012, the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012, and provisions of the Penal Code, 1860 that are applicable to digital crimes.

Unlike local police stations (থানা) which may lack the technical training to handle complex digital evidence, the CID Cyber Crime Unit has:

• Specialized digital forensics laboratories for evidence extraction and analysis
• Trained investigators with knowledge of network forensics, mobile device analysis, and cryptocurrency tracing
• Established relationships with international cyber crime agencies (INTERPOL, FBI Legal Attaché)
• Authority to seek records from internet service providers (ISPs), mobile operators, and social media platforms
• Powers of arrest, search, and seizure under relevant laws

In 2026, the CID Cyber Crime Unit remains the most capable and appropriate authority for reporting serious cyber crimes in Bangladesh, particularly those involving sophisticated attacks, cross-border elements, or significant financial losses.

The CID Cyber Crime Division has both investigative authority and preventive functions. Understanding its scope helps you determine whether your case falls within its jurisdiction.

Investigative Role

The Division investigates cyber crimes reported directly to it or referred to it by local police stations (when cases involve technical complexity beyond the local station’s capacity). It has jurisdiction across the entire territory of Bangladesh, regardless of which district the crime occurred in or where the victim is located.

Preventive and Advisory Role

The CID Cyber Crime Division also conducts public awareness campaigns on cyber safety, advises government agencies on cybersecurity matters, and coordinates with the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to block harmful online content under court orders or executive directives.

Relationship with Other Cyber Authorities

Territorial Jurisdiction

A key advantage of the CID Cyber Crime Unit is that it can investigate crimes where the perpetrator and victim are in different districts or even different countries. Ordinary police stations (থানা) have limited cross-district jurisdiction, which can slow down cyber crime investigations where perpetrators often operate remotely from victims.

The CID Cyber Crime Unit handles a wide spectrum of digital offences. Knowing which category your experience falls into helps you articulate your complaint effectively.

If your situation involves multiple crime types (for example, hacking followed by blackmail), list all applicable offences in your complaint. This ensures investigators apply the appropriate legal provisions and gather all necessary evidence.

There are two primary methods to file a complaint with the CID Cyber Crime Unit in Bangladesh: via email/online and in person at their Dhaka office. Each has advantages depending on your situation.

Method 1: Email Complaint to cyber@police.gov.bd

The CID Cyber Crime Unit accepts initial complaints by email at cyber@police.gov.bd. This is often the fastest way to initiate contact, especially if the offence is ongoing (such as active blackmail or account hacking).

Your email complaint should include:

• Subject line: Clearly state the type of crime, e.g., “Cyber Crime Complaint – Online Fraud / Blackmail / Hacking”
• Your full name, NID number, address, and contact number
• Detailed description of the incident: What happened, when it happened, how it happened
• Identity of the suspect (if known): Username, phone number, social media profile URL, email address
• Evidence attached: Screenshots, screen recordings, copies of messages, transaction records (attach as PDF or image files)
• Any financial loss: Amount lost, account numbers, transaction IDs

Method 2: In-Person Written Complaint at CID Office

For serious matters (particularly those involving significant financial loss, organized crime, or where you need urgent seizure of evidence), visiting the CID Cyber Crime Unit in person is more effective. Bring:

• Written complaint letter (narrating the entire incident chronologically)
• Your NID or passport (original)
• All evidence in both digital (USB drive) and printed form
• A second copy of the complaint to be stamped as received

Method 3: File GD/Case at Local Police Station First

In some cases, particularly for less serious incidents, you may be directed to first file a General Diary (GD) at your nearest local police station, which can then refer the case to the CID Cyber Crime Unit if the technical complexity warrants it. However, for serious cases, going directly to CID is faster and more effective.

Knowing the correct contact points for the CID Cyber Crime Unit is essential for efficient complaint filing. Here is the verified contact information as of 2026:

When to Call 999

If you are facing an active, immediate threat — such as ongoing blackmail where the perpetrator is threatening imminent harm, or if you know the identity of a cyber criminal who is about to flee — call 999 immediately to alert police. The emergency operator can coordinate with CID if needed.

Women’s Cyber Crime Helpline: 109

The government operates a dedicated helpline 109 for women and children who are victims of online harassment, non-consensual image sharing, or sexual exploitation through digital means. This line is operated 24/7 and can directly connect victims to the relevant law enforcement authority.

Visiting the Office

When visiting the CID office in person, go during official hours (Sunday to Thursday, 9 AM to 5 PM). Bring all original documents and multiple photocopies. Ask to speak with an officer of the Cyber Crime Investigation Cell specifically. You may need to wait or schedule an appointment for non-urgent matters.

Many people in Bangladesh are confused about whether to report to the CID Cyber Crime Unit directly or to use the government’s cybercrime.gov.bd portal. The two serve different purposes, and understanding the difference helps you choose the right channel for your situation.

Our Recommendation

For serious cases (hacking with financial loss, blackmail, CSAM, organized fraud), contact the CID Cyber Crime Unit directly via email at cyber@police.gov.bd or in person. For less urgent matters (minor online harassment, first-time registration of a complaint for record purposes), the cybercrime.gov.bd portal is a convenient starting point. Many lawyers advise doing both simultaneously — filing on the portal for a reference number while also emailing CID directly — to maximize the chance of a prompt response.

The strength of your cyber crime complaint is directly proportional to the quality and completeness of the evidence you provide. Cyber evidence is highly perishable — social media posts can be deleted, IP logs expire, and digital footprints fade quickly. Collect and preserve evidence immediately after discovering the crime, even before deciding whether to file a complaint.

Essential Evidence Checklist

• Screenshots: Capture full-screen screenshots of all relevant content — abusive/threatening messages, fraudulent websites, fake profiles, harassing posts. Include the timestamp and URL in the screenshot if possible (use the browser address bar).
• Screen recordings: For dynamic content (like a live social media interaction or a video call), a screen recording captures what a screenshot cannot.
• URLs and links: Save and record the full URL of every offending webpage, profile, post, or content. Even if the content is later deleted, the URL remains useful for investigators to seek platform records.
• Original message files: Export chat logs from WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram, or email in their native format where possible, rather than just taking screenshots. These contain metadata (timestamps, phone numbers) that screenshots do not.
• Transaction records: For financial fraud cases — bank statements, mobile banking transaction receipts (bKash, Nagad, Rocket), screenshots of payment confirmations, and account numbers used by the fraudster.
• Phone numbers and email addresses: Record any phone numbers, email addresses, or usernames used by the perpetrator.
• Witness information: Names and contact details of any people who witnessed the crime or who received the same fraudulent messages.
• Preserve original devices: Do not factory reset your phone or computer after a hack — the device may contain recoverable forensic evidence that investigators need.

What Not to Do

• Do not delete any messages from the perpetrator, even if they are offensive — they are evidence
• Do not reply aggressively to the perpetrator, as this may complicate your legal position
• Do not publicly expose the perpetrator on social media before filing a complaint — this may tip them off and allow evidence destruction

Filing a complaint is just the first step. Understanding what happens next helps you support the investigation effectively and manage your expectations.

Stage 1: Complaint Receipt and Initial Assessment (1–7 days)

After receiving your complaint (by email or in person), the CID Cyber Crime Unit conducts an initial assessment to determine whether the matter falls within their jurisdiction and whether sufficient evidence exists to initiate an investigation. You should receive an acknowledgment with a reference number.

Stage 2: Digital Evidence Collection (1–4 weeks)

Investigators will request records from internet service providers (ISPs), mobile telephone operators, and social media platforms (Facebook, Google, etc.) using formal legal notices. Bangladeshi ISPs and telecom operators are legally required to cooperate. International platforms like Facebook and Google have legal teams that respond to requests from Bangladesh CID, typically within 2–4 weeks for non-emergency requests.

Stage 3: Suspect Identification and Verification

Using the digital evidence gathered — IP addresses, device IDs, IMEI numbers, SIM registration records — investigators identify the suspect(s). This may involve coordination with the BTRC for mobile operator records and with international agencies for cross-border cases.

Stage 4: Case Registration (FIR / Ejahar)

Once sufficient evidence is gathered to establish a prima facie case, the CID registers a formal First Information Report (FIR / Ejahar) under the applicable law. The case is now officially under investigation.

Stage 5: Arrest, Search, and Charge Sheet

Investigators may arrest the suspect and/or conduct a search of their premises (with a court warrant). After investigation is complete, a charge sheet is submitted to the relevant Cyber Tribunal (established under the Cyber Security Act, 2023 in each division of Bangladesh), where the criminal trial proceeds.

Stage 6: Trial at Cyber Tribunal

Bangladesh has dedicated Cyber Tribunals in Dhaka and other divisional cities. These courts have exclusive jurisdiction over cyber crime offences. Trials are conducted according to the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, with special provisions for digital evidence admissibility under the Cyber Security Act, 2023.

Understanding the legal framework helps you cite the correct law in your complaint, which facilitates faster action from investigators.

Key Changes Under the Cyber Security Act, 2023

The Cyber Security Act, 2023 replaced the controversial Digital Security Act, 2018. Key improvements relevant to victims include:

• Clearer definitions of cyber crimes to reduce misuse
• Bail provisions introduced for several offences (making it easier for wrongly accused persons to secure bail)
• Stronger penalties for crimes targeting women and children
• Mandatory digital evidence preservation protocols for investigators
• Formal recognition of Cyber Tribunals as the exclusive trial forum

Note: Cases originally registered under the Digital Security Act, 2018 before its repeal continue to be tried under that law until disposed of by the courts.

Can I file a cyber crime complaint anonymously?

The CID Cyber Crime Unit requires you to identify yourself when filing a formal complaint, as anonymous complaints cannot generally form the basis for a criminal case. However, the cybercrime.gov.bd portal does allow submission of tip-offs without full identification for information-gathering purposes. Note that your identity as a complainant is protected from the accused under normal circumstances, but complete anonymity is not possible in formal proceedings.

What if the cyber criminal is abroad?

CID has mechanisms to investigate trans-national cyber crimes through INTERPOL channels and bilateral law enforcement cooperation agreements. File your complaint regardless of whether the suspect is abroad — CID will determine the best investigative approach. For international cases, the process typically takes longer, but is not impossible.

Is there a time limit for filing a cyber crime complaint?

Under the Cyber Security Act, 2023, the standard limitation period for filing a complaint is 3 years from the date the offence was committed or discovered. However, the sooner you file, the better — digital evidence deteriorates quickly (platform logs are retained for limited periods) and delays allow suspects to destroy evidence or flee.

What if my local police station refuses to register my cyber crime case?

If a local police station refuses to take your complaint or file a GD for a genuine cyber crime, you have the right to: (1) go directly to the CID Cyber Crime Unit, (2) file a written complaint to the Superintendent of Police (SP) of your district, or (3) file a petition before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) or Judicial Magistrate, who can order police to investigate under Section 200 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Can a woman file a cyber crime complaint confidentially?

Yes. Women victims of cyber harassment, non-consensual image sharing, or sexual exploitation can call the 109 helpline confidentially. They can also file complaints through the CID’s dedicated women’s assistance desk. Legal aid is available through the National Legal Aid Services Organization (NLASO) for women who cannot afford a lawyer.

Filing a complaint with the CID Cyber Crime Unit is a critical first step, but navigating the criminal justice system — from investigation through to trial at the Cyber Tribunal — is a complex legal process. Having an experienced cyber crime lawyer by your side dramatically improves your chances of a successful outcome.

At Advocate Md. Shah Alam’s chamber in Uttara, Dhaka, our cyber crime legal team provides end-to-end assistance to victims of digital offences. Here is how we support our clients:

• Pre-Filing Consultation: We review the facts of your case, identify the applicable laws, and advise on the strongest legal strategy before you file — helping you avoid procedural mistakes that could weaken your case.
• Evidence Packaging: We help you organize, preserve, and present your digital evidence in the format required by CID investigators and the Cyber Tribunal, ensuring nothing critical is missed or inadmissible.
• Complaint Drafting: We draft a legally precise complaint letter citing the correct sections of the Cyber Security Act, 2023 and other applicable laws, ensuring investigators take immediate and appropriate action.
• Following Up with CID: We liaise with the investigating officer on your behalf to monitor progress, request updates, and prevent the case from stalling in bureaucratic delays.
• Representing You at the Cyber Tribunal: If the case proceeds to trial, we appear as your lawyer before the Cyber Tribunal, presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and arguing for the strongest possible sentence against the accused.
• Seeking Compensation and Civil Remedies: Beyond criminal prosecution, we can advise on civil remedies — such as suing the perpetrator for damages in a civil court — to help you recover financial losses suffered due to the cyber crime.
• Emergency Injunctions: In blackmail or non-consensual image sharing cases, we can apply for urgent court orders (injunctions) to have offending content removed from websites or social media platforms before it causes further harm.

Our chamber offers a free initial consultation for cyber crime victims. We understand how distressing and urgent these situations can be, and we are committed to providing prompt, professional legal assistance.

Office Location: Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Consultation: Free first consultation for cyber crime victims
Emergency Contact: Available for urgent cyber crime matters

Don’t face cyber criminals alone. Contact us immediately if you or a family member has been a victim of any cyber crime in Bangladesh. The sooner you act, the better your chances of justice.