NTMC: The Digital Shield Protecting Bangladesh’s National Security

Criminals today are smarter, faster, and more connected than ever before. Using encrypted messaging apps and social media platforms like Facebook, Messenger, and TikTok, they hide in plain sight.

To counter them, law enforcement must be equally advanced. In Bangladesh, one agency works quietly but decisively behind the scenes -- the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC) -- the country’s silent digital guardian.

On 29 May 2025, at 7:31pm, a frantic call reached the national emergency service 999. A family in Dhaka reported that their niece had been kidnapped from Shyamoli, with the abductors demanding Tk5 lakh in ransom. Within hours, NTMC analysts traced the suspects through mobile and online data. The trail led to Ghorashal, Narsingdi. By 2:30am, the victim was rescued and the perpetrators arrested.

In another instance, NTMC’s data monitoring uncovered an illegal VoIP network in Dakshinkhan, Dhaka. Acting on the tip, RAB-1 raided the site on 5 June 2025, seizing 21 SIM cards and VoIP equipment and arresting a 38-year-old operator.

Such swift operations highlight NTMC’s quiet but crucial role in national security. While agencies like the police or RAB carry out field missions, NTMC provides the digital intelligence that makes those missions possible -- identifying suspects, tracing locations, and connecting the dots.

Globally, nations depend on specialised cyber-intelligence agencies to fight online crime and terrorism. Bangladesh is no exception. Established to ensure the lawful use of telecommunications, NTMC has evolved into a cornerstone of the country’s digital defence.

Operating round the clock, the agency connects mobile operators, internet service providers, and national databases through an integrated network. This system helps investigators identify suspects, trace movements, and coordinate emergency responses with services like 999 and 102 — often making the difference between loss and rescue.

Illegal Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) operations have long plagued Bangladesh, draining national revenue and undermining telecom integrity. NTMC’s monitoring operations, in collaboration with BTRC and RAB, have been instrumental in detecting and dismantling these unauthorised call routes — safeguarding both government revenue and communication security.

Beyond telecom crimes, NTMC plays a vital role in protecting the digital space. Social media has become a breeding ground for misinformation, hate speech, and cyberbullying. NTMC continuously monitors platforms like Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram to detect and counter harmful content that could incite unrest or threaten national stability. Its vigilance helps prevent communal tension and promotes awareness about responsible digital behaviour.

Using Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), NTMC scans public data to identify potential threats before they escalate. The agency also maintains a comprehensive criminal database that supports behavioural analysis and predictive policing — allowing law enforcement to act proactively rather than reactively.

Behind the screens, NTMC safeguards one of the nation’s most secure multi-layered data systems. Its Security Operations Centre (SOC) provides 24/7 cyber defence, protecting critical information from hacking, malware, and unauthorised access. During major national and religious events — such as Eid, Durga Puja, or Christmas — NTMC enhances digital vigilance and communication security to ensure safe celebrations.

During Durga Puja 2025, the agency launched the ‘Sharodiya Suraksha’ mobile app, which helped law enforcement monitor temple security in real time. The initiative contributed to one of the most peaceful and well-organised festivals in recent memory — a strong example of technology serving public safety.

As technology evolves, so do the tactics of criminals. They now exploit encrypted networks, anonymous communication, and digital currencies to conceal their tracks. To stay ahead, NTMC invests heavily in capacity building — arranging training and workshops for its personnel and partner agencies to strengthen the nation’s cyber-response capabilities.

Like many intelligence institutions worldwide, NTMC faces occasional scrutiny regarding privacy and lawful surveillance. The organisation emphasises that every operation is guided by clear legal frameworks, privacy policies, and logging systems to ensure accountability. Its mission, NTMC insists, is protection — not intrusion.

In an age when a single tweet can spark unrest or a cyberattack can disrupt national infrastructure, technology is both a tool and a target. NTMC’s task is to ensure it remains a tool — one that safeguards citizens and upholds public trust.

As Bangladesh strides toward its Smart Nation vision, innovation must go hand in hand with security. In that delicate balance, NTMC stands as the unseen digital shield — protecting the peace and progress of 180 million people, every single day.

The writer is an information and technology specialist, NTMC