The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and bKash jointly conducted a series of workshops on cyber security and safe digital financial transactions for approximately 1,100 female students in Dhaka. The sessions aimed to enhance awareness about protecting personal information online and preventing digital financial fraud.
The workshops took place at Viqarunnisa Noon School and College and two residential halls of Dhaka University—Ruqayyah Hall and Shamsun Nahar Hall. The initiative began with a session at Viqarunnisa Noon School and College, attended by around 650 students. Subsequent sessions at Dhaka University involved 450 students across two gatherings.
Officials from CID’s Cyber Police Centre (CPC) and representatives from bKash’s External Affairs Department led discussions, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding sensitive information such as PINs and one-time passwords (OTPs). Real-life examples of cyber threats and fraudulent activities were presented to illustrate potential risks. Participants were advised to avoid clicking on suspicious links promising financial rewards and to report any suspected fraud through official channels. They were also encouraged to verify information before sharing it online to curb the spread of misinformation.
Md Jahidul Islam, additional deputy inspector general (DIG) of the CID Cyber Police Centre, spoke at the Viqarunnisa Noon session about different types of cybercrime and strategies for personal data protection. Sana Shaminur Rahman, DIG of the Cyber Police Centre, served as chief guest at the event, with Major AKM Monirul Karim (retd), executive vice-president and head of External Affairs at bKash, attending as special guest.
At Dhaka University, the two sessions were held at Ruqayyah Hall and Shamsun Nahar Hall, presided over by their respective provosts, Prof Hosne Ara Begum and Prof Nasrin Sultana. Md Shafiuddin Shaheen, acting DIG of the Cyber Police Centre, was chief guest for both workshops.
Organizers stated that similar programs will be expanded to other educational institutions nationwide in phases, reflecting a broader effort to raise cyber safety awareness among students. Since 2017, bKash has collaborated with law enforcement bodies—including the police, Detective Branch, CID, and Police Bureau of Investigation—to conduct training workshops for investigating officers and bKash agents. This new initiative marks a focused effort to educate students on cybersecurity and secure use of mobile financial services, with plans for wider national rollout.