CAMPUS DESK

To combat the growing threat of cybercrimes in Bangladesh, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh and The Daily Star launched a youth-focused campaign to raise awareness and foster innovative solutions that can tackle the growing concerns surrounding cybercrime in the country. The Cyber Defence Innovation Challenge (CDIC) – a multi-phase competition encouraging creative approaches to cyber safety – was a key part of this campaign. Alongside UNDP Bangladesh and The Daily Star, the competition was also supported by the Government of South Korea.

The CDIC was divided into three phases. In Phase 1 – the online challenge – teams of two to three members were asked to submit solutions addressing a specific cyber safety scenario. Based on these submissions, five teams out of 71 were selected for Phase 2 – the initial pitching and briefing round. This phase, which took place at The Daily Star Centre in Dhaka, saw the teams present their initial ideas to the judges and receive feedback for the final round.

In Phase 3 – the final challenge – teams tackled a comprehensive cyber safety task, engaging with perspectives from the government and law enforcement officials, tech companies, and community organisations. Participants role-played as various stakeholders to develop impactful solutions. Afterwards, the teams attended a workshop where expert mentors guided them throughout the process.

After the finals, team SSSNUKE were declared the champions of the CDIC 2024. Team Cuet_Cipher_Sirens and team BRACU Cyber Detectives came second and third respectively.

Addressing the guests, participants, and judges of the competition, Mahfuz Anam, the Editor and Publisher of The Daily Star, said, “The cyber world, in a sense, is full of possibilities. At the same time, it’s a world full of crime as well, particularly in the case of women who are falling victim to all sorts of cybercrimes. Cybercrimes targeted towards women demoralise them, put them at a disadvantage, and hinder their independence. As a newspaper, we want to stand by their side and ensure that women do not fall victim to cybercrime. In an effort to do that, we have partnered with UNDP on this cyber awareness initiative.”