How to Report Cyber Crime Bangladesh – Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Bangladesh law recognizes a wide range of cyber crimes that you can officially report to the authorities. Common types of cyber crimes handled by Bangladesh police in 2026 include:

Note: The Digital Security Act, 2018 was repealed and replaced by the Cyber Security Act, 2023 in August 2023. The new act maintains most of the cyber crime provisions while introducing some amendments to address concerns about misuse. All new cases filed from September 2023 onwards are registered under the Cyber Security Act 2023.

As a cyber crime victim in Bangladesh, you are protected by several laws:

Cyber Security Act, 2023

This is the primary legislation governing cyber crimes in Bangladesh, enacted in August 2023 replacing the Digital Security Act, 2018. Key provisions include:

• Section 17: Unauthorized access to digital systems — imprisonment up to 14 years or fine up to ৳1 crore or both
• Section 19: Hacking and cyber attacks on critical information infrastructure — imprisonment up to 14 years or fine up to ৳1 crore
• Section 21: Publishing/distributing defamatory, offensive content using digital means
• Section 24: Identity theft and identity fraud using digital devices
• Section 25: Publishing obscene, sexually offensive content targeting women and children — up to 10 years imprisonment
• Section 29: Spreading false, fabricated, distorted information to damage reputation

Pornography Control Act, 2012

Covers non-consensual intimate image sharing (NCII), commonly known as 'revenge porn.' Uploading or sharing intimate images without consent carries a maximum sentence of 7 years imprisonment and/or a fine of ৳5 lakh.

Penal Code, 1860

Traditional criminal provisions (Sections 419, 420 for fraud; Section 503 for criminal intimidation; Section 506 for criminal threats) also apply to cyber crimes and can be invoked alongside the Cyber Security Act.

Information and Communication Technology Act, 2006 (Amended 2013)

Though largely superseded by the Cyber Security Act 2023, some provisions of the ICT Act may still apply to older ongoing cases.

The fastest and most convenient way to report cyber crime in Bangladesh is through the official Bangladesh Police Cyber Crime Complaint Portal at cybercrime.gov.bd. This portal was launched by Bangladesh Police to allow victims to file complaints 24/7 without visiting any office.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Online Complaint

1. Open your browser and go to www.cybercrime.gov.bd
2. Click on "File a Complaint" or "অভিযোগ দাখিল করুন"
3. Register or log in using your NID number and mobile number
4. Select the type of cyber crime you are reporting from the dropdown menu
5. Fill in the complaint form with the following details:
   — Your personal information (name, NID, contact number)
   — Details of the crime (what happened, when, where, how)
   — URLs, screenshots, account names involved
   — Name/details of the suspected perpetrator (if known)
6. Upload supporting evidence (screenshots, recordings, documents) — each file max 5MB, total 20MB
7. Review your complaint and click "Submit"
8. You will receive a Complaint Reference Number via SMS and email. Keep this for tracking

Tracking Your Online Complaint

After submission, you can track the status of your complaint on cybercrime.gov.bd using your reference number. The portal shows whether your complaint is under review, has been forwarded to the relevant unit, or has resulted in a case being registered.

The Cyber Crime Complaint Center (CCCC) typically acknowledges complaints within 72 hours and forwards them to the relevant cyber crime investigation unit for action.

If you prefer to file your complaint by email or if you have extensive documentation to share, you can email the Bangladesh Police Cyber Crime Unit directly at cyber@police.gov.bd.

How to Write an Effective Cyber Crime Email Complaint

Your email should follow this structure:

1. Subject Line: Clearly state the type of crime and your location, e.g., 'Cyber Crime Complaint – Facebook Hacking – Dhaka'
2. Your Information: Full name, NID number, mobile number, address
3. Incident Description: Clear, chronological account of what happened, when it started, and how you discovered it
4. Evidence List: List all attached evidence files and what each one shows
5. Perpetrator Details: Any known information about the person(s) who committed the crime (username, phone number, email, account URL)
6. Relief Requested: What action you want the police to take (arrest, content removal, account blocking, etc.)

Sample Email Template

To: cyber@police.gov.bd
Subject: Cyber Crime Complaint – [Type of Crime] – [Your District]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I, [Your Name], NID [NID Number], residing at [Address], wish to report a cyber crime. On [Date/Time], I discovered that [describe what happened]. The perpetrator's account URL/username is [details]. I have attached [number] screenshot(s) as evidence. I request your intervention to investigate this matter and take appropriate legal action.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]

What to Attach to Your Email

• Screenshots of the offending content, messages, or accounts
• Copy of your NID (front and back)
• Any transaction records (for financial fraud cases)
• Call recordings or chat exports (for harassment cases)

Bangladesh Police operates dedicated helplines for cyber crime victims. These are available during office hours for immediate guidance:

When to Call vs. When to File Online

• Call 999 immediately if you are in immediate danger, being extorted in real-time, or if the crime involves threats of physical harm
• Call the cyber helpline for guidance on how to file your complaint, what evidence to preserve, and which unit to approach
• File online at cybercrime.gov.bd for all other complaints where there is no immediate danger

What to Tell the Helpline Officer

When you call, clearly state: your name and contact number, the type of cyber crime (hacking, fraud, harassment, etc.), when it occurred, any known details about the perpetrator, and whether there is an immediate risk to your safety or financial assets.

For complex cyber crime cases — particularly large-scale financial fraud, organized cybercrime, or cases involving multiple jurisdictions — you can visit the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Cyber Crime Unit in Dhaka in person.

CID Cyber Crime Unit Contact Details

What to Bring When Visiting

• Your original NID card (and a photocopy)
• A printed copy of your complaint (signed)
• All evidence in both digital form (USB drive) and printed form where possible
• Your lawyer (recommended for complex cases)
• Any witnesses if available

Which Cyber Crime Unit to Approach?

Bangladesh Police has cyber crime units at multiple levels:

• CID Cyber Crime Unit (Dhaka): For complex, inter-district, or large-scale cyber crimes
• Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI): For financial cyber fraud and white-collar cyber crimes
• Local Police Station: For all initial complaints regardless of complexity — they can forward to CID
• Women and Children Repression Prevention (WCRP) Unit: For cyber crimes specifically targeting women and children (online harassment, NCII, etc.)

For many cyber crime victims, the most accessible first step is to file a General Diary (GD) or First Information Report (FIR) at the nearest police station to their home. Any police station in Bangladesh can accept a cyber crime complaint and forward it to the appropriate specialized unit.

Step-by-Step: Filing at Local Police Station

1. Gather all your evidence (printed screenshots, digital files on USB, transaction records)
2. Go to the nearest police station (Thana) during office hours (9 AM – 5 PM)
3. Speak to the Duty Officer and state that you want to file a cyber crime complaint
4. You may initially be asked to file a General Diary (GD) — a preliminary record of your complaint. Request that this be converted to an FIR (First Information Report) for more serious crimes
5. The police will take your statement and assign a GD/FIR number — note this carefully
6. The local police will forward complex cases to the district CID or the Dhaka CID Cyber Crime Unit

Know Your Rights at the Police Station

• You have the right to file a complaint at any police station regardless of where the crime occurred digitally
• Police cannot refuse to accept your complaint — if they refuse, you can escalate to the SP (Superintendent of Police) or file directly with CID
• If you have a lawyer with you, the police are generally more cooperative and formal in taking the complaint
• Ask for a copy of the GD/FIR with the official seal and date

The strength of your cyber crime complaint depends heavily on the evidence you collect and preserve. Here is a comprehensive guide to evidence collection:

Essential Digital Evidence to Preserve

• Screenshots: Take screenshots of all offending content, messages, posts, accounts. Include the URL visible in the address bar, timestamps, and the profile/username of the perpetrator
• Screen recordings: For ongoing harassment or live threats, record your screen to capture real-time evidence
• Chat exports: Export full chat history from WhatsApp, Messenger, or other platforms (using the built-in export feature) before blocking or deleting
• URL/Link preservation: Copy and save all relevant URLs. Use web archive tools (web.archive.org) to preserve web pages that may be deleted
• Email headers: For phishing emails, save the full email headers (not just the message) — these contain technical information about the sender's true origin
• Transaction records: For financial fraud, collect all bank statements, bKash/Nagad transaction records, and receipts

Technical Evidence

• Device logs: If your device was hacked, do not reset it — the device itself may contain forensic evidence. Report to CID before doing anything with the device.
• IP addresses: If you received threatening messages, note any IP addresses visible in email headers or platform security logs
• Social media security logs: Facebook, Google, and other platforms show recent login activity — screenshot any suspicious access you didn't make

Physical Evidence

• Printed copies of all digital evidence (for submission to police)
• Records of any financial losses (bank statements showing unauthorized transactions)
• Witness statements if anyone else witnessed the cyber crime or its effects

What NOT to Do

• Do not delete evidence in anger or frustration — even offensive content is evidence
• Do not block the perpetrator until after you have collected all evidence from their profile/messages
• Do not share or forward evidence publicly before filing a complaint

After filing your complaint through any of the channels above, here is what typically happens in Bangladesh in 2026:

Online Portal Complaints (cybercrime.gov.bd)

1. You receive an acknowledgment with a reference number (usually within 24–72 hours)
2. Your complaint is reviewed by a cyber crime officer
3. If the complaint has merit, it is assigned to the relevant investigation unit
4. You may receive a call or email asking for additional information or evidence
5. If sufficient evidence exists, the unit proceeds to investigate and may register a formal case

Police Station Complaints (GD/FIR)

1. GD is recorded and a GD number is given immediately
2. If sufficient prima facie evidence exists, an FIR is registered under the Cyber Security Act 2023
3. An investigation officer is assigned to the case
4. The investigation officer may call you for additional statements and evidence
5. The officer may apply for legal assistance to identify the perpetrator (IP tracing, account unmasking through court orders)
6. If perpetrator is identified, arrest may follow
7. Case is filed in the Cyber Tribunal (Special Criminal Court for Cyber Crimes)

Timeline Expectations

Cyber crime investigations in Bangladesh can take:

• Simple cases (Facebook harassment, clear evidence): 1–3 months for arrest and charge sheet
• Complex cases (financial fraud, hacking): 3–12 months for full investigation
• Trial in Cyber Tribunal: 1–3 additional years after charge sheet is filed

During the investigation period, you can follow up with your GD/FIR number at the police station or through your lawyer.

The Cyber Security Act, 2023 (and where applicable, the Digital Security Act, 2018 for older cases) sets out significant penalties for cyber crimes in Bangladesh. Understanding these penalties helps you understand the seriousness of filing a complaint:

Cyber crime cases are tried in Cyber Tribunals established under the Cyber Security Act. There is one Cyber Tribunal in Dhaka and additional tribunals being established in divisional cities. Bail in serious cyber crime cases may be difficult to obtain, especially for hacking and NCII cases.

Q: Can I file a cyber crime complaint anonymously?
A: The cybercrime.gov.bd portal requires you to register with your NID and mobile number, so complaints are not fully anonymous. However, your personal details are kept confidential by the police during investigation and are not publicly disclosed. If you fear reprisal, mention this in your complaint and your lawyer can advise on protective measures.

Q: The harassment is happening on a foreign platform (Facebook, Instagram). Can Bangladesh police act?
A: Yes. Bangladesh police can and do work with social media platforms to remove content and identify perpetrators who operate from Bangladesh. They can also send Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) requests to foreign jurisdictions. Additionally, if the perpetrator is in Bangladesh, local laws fully apply.

Q: My ex-partner is threatening to share intimate photos of me. What should I do immediately?
A: This is an emergency. Immediately: (1) Do not comply with any demands, (2) Take screenshots of all threats, (3) Call the Women's Hotline 10921, (4) File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.bd and/or visit the Women and Children Repression Prevention Unit. This is a serious crime under the Cyber Security Act 2023, Section 25 and Pornography Control Act 2012, carrying up to 10 years imprisonment.

Q: I was scammed online and lost money. Can I get my money back?
A: Police can freeze accounts used in fraud if they act quickly. Contact your bank and mobile banking provider immediately to report unauthorized transactions. Also file a complaint with Bangladesh Bank's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). Police can apply to freeze the perpetrator's accounts and recover funds if the perpetrator is identified quickly enough.

Q: My Facebook account was hacked and the hacker is posting content in my name. What do I do?
A: First, report the hacked account to Facebook directly (facebook.com/hacked) to regain control or get it taken down. Then file a cyber crime complaint at cybercrime.gov.bd or email cyber@police.gov.bd with screenshots of the fake posts. Police can formally request Facebook to take down the account and provide the hacker's IP address for investigation.

Navigating the cyber crime complaint process in Bangladesh can be overwhelming, especially when you are already the victim of harassment, fraud, or privacy violation. The Law Chamber of Adv. Md. Shah Alam in Uttara, Dhaka provides comprehensive legal assistance to cyber crime victims:

• Complaint drafting: We draft professionally worded cyber crime complaints for cybercrime.gov.bd, police stations, or CID that clearly state the facts, relevant laws violated, and the relief sought — maximizing the chance of a thorough investigation
• Police station representation: We accompany you when filing your complaint to ensure police take it seriously, register a proper FIR (not just a GD), and assign a senior officer
• Evidence guidance: We advise you on exactly what evidence to preserve, how to preserve it in a legally admissible format, and what to avoid doing
• Cyber Tribunal representation: We represent you throughout the trial in the Cyber Tribunal, from filing the case through to the verdict
• Emergency injunctions: For urgent cases (such as imminent sharing of intimate images), we can file for an emergency court injunction to prevent publication
• Victim compensation: We advise on and pursue compensation claims for financial losses and emotional distress caused by cyber crimes
• Counter-complaint defense: If you have been falsely accused of a cyber crime, we provide strong defense representation

Our chamber is located in Uttara, Dhaka. We offer a free initial consultation for cyber crime victims. Your privacy and dignity are our priority.

📞 Contact us immediately if you are a cyber crime victim. Book your free confidential consultation with Adv. Shah Alam today.

Also read: DLRMS Bangladesh Guide | Divorce Cost in Bangladesh 2026