Information and broadcasting minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Saturday said that cybersecurity had become a central pillar of national security, stressing the need for Bangladesh to accelerate information technology adoption and develop a skilled workforce to keep pace with rapid global technological change.
Speaking as chief guest at the closing ceremony of the five-day Phoenix Summit Dhaka 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital, the minister said that the traditional concept of security had evolved significantly.
‘Previously, security meant border protection or maintaining law and order. But that definition has changed. Cybersecurity is now one of the most important issues,’ he said.
The summit, powered by BRAC Bank in association with Axentec by Robi Axiata, was organised under the theme ‘Closing the Cyber Gap in Emerging Economies’ to strengthen Bangladesh’s cybersecurity capabilities, promote digital resilience and expand international cooperation.
Swapon said that cybersecurity had become a global priority and noted that it featured prominently in recent discussions between leaders of major world powers, highlighting its growing geopolitical importance.
He acknowledged that Bangladesh remained behind many countries in adopting information technology and said that faster digital transformation was essential to achieving the country’s development goals.
The minister identified the shortage of skilled IT professionals as one of the biggest barriers to digital transformation and called for coordinated efforts by the government, industry and educational institutions to develop a comprehensive human resource strategy for the technology sector.
He said that Bangladesh’s large youth population could become a major competitive advantage if equipped with advanced technological skills and encouraged to embrace innovation.
Referring to his recent visit to China, Swapon said that discussions with Chinese policymakers focused on technology, technical expertise and knowledge sharing.
He added that the government was exploring ways to utilise those opportunities to strengthen Bangladesh’s digital capabilities and accelerate innovation.
He also stressed the need for stronger collaboration among the government, academia and the private sector to maximise available resources, adapt international best practices and build a more resilient digital ecosystem.
Thimphu TechPark chief programme officer Kinley Tshering, Axentec PLC managing director and chief executive officer Adil Hossain Noble and Royal Holloway, University of London director of cybersecurity Fauzia Idrees, among others, attended the event.
ASM Shamim Reza, founder and chief of research of The Team Phoenix Group, said that the summit brought together policymakers, cybersecurity professionals, researchers, students and technology practitioners to strengthen Bangladesh’s cybersecurity ecosystem through collaboration and knowledge sharing.
He said that the exchange of ideas and partnerships forged during the event would help enhance the country’s digital security and resilience, contributing to a safer digital Bangladesh.
According to the organisers, more than 10,000 participants attended conference sessions, workshops, exhibitions and networking events throughout the summit.
Seventy-three organisations showcased cybersecurity solutions, while 18 university clubs and three local and international knowledge partners took part.
The event also recognised outstanding contributions to the sector.
Cyber Security Club of Islamic University received an award for promoting cybersecurity awareness, BTCL deputy general manager Joyeeta Sen Rimpee was recognised for inspiring women in cybersecurity, and Fibre at Home chief information officer Sumon Ahmed Sabir received Lifetime Honour Award for his longstanding contribution to Bangladesh’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
The summit was supported by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the ICT Division and the National Cyber Security Agency.
