Human civilization is an unfathomable springhead of flowing time. Since antiquity, humanity has been relentlessly honing its essence, perpetually advancing on the non-negotiable path of progress. Yet, today's development is not merely speed; it is accelerating beyond the measure of a light-year. We now hold the craftsmanship of 5G technology, drawing the realm of imagination within our grasp. It is at this juncture that a dilemma arises: Is this technology marching towards immaculate beauty, or is it being dragged into the clandestine darkness of misuse? The truth is dual-while technology has simplified life, its shadow lengthens under the strain of self-serving interests. Nevertheless, the continuous excellence of technology is an inevitable prerequisite for modern state security. The issue of national security is inextricably linked with the appropriate use of technology.
Technology can sometimes become the lifeline of survival. Imagine a tragic road accident on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway, a young man bleeding on the ground. In that critical moment, someone dials 999. Before the shock can subside, the police and ambulance arrive with lightning speed. Behind this rapid response is the very technology that forms the core of this article-the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center (NTMC).
The NTMC works uninterruptedly to ensure national security in Bangladesh. One can seek redressal against any injustice, terrorism, extortion, or identified miscreants in their area by calling 999. Their 'Geo Location Service' guarantees the swiftest possible deliverance from any crisis, reinforcing the role of the NTMC-the silent sentinel-that provides a ceaseless canopy of service for national safety.
A myriad of accusations surround the NTMC-the most severe being that it breaches the wall of personal privacy. Yet, the reality is different. This agency neither listens to nor records private phone calls indiscriminately. Instead, it operates for the greater good of national security, ensuring and maintaining legal discipline. It provides technical support to law enforcement, investigation and intelligence agencies to carry out lawful telecommunication interception. Surveillance over suspected criminals is carried out only on the basis of specific suspicion and through judicial authorization. This is an indispensable element in confronting multifaceted challenges. Without this technological arsenal, it would be difficult to counter the smart and complex crimes of today.
However, the stain of past technological misuse still carries the smell of gunpowder in the country's clean air. Today, the NTMC has the opportunity to shed all shadows and build an ironclad culture of transparency, ethics, and accountability. By adhering to the slogan 'The Nation First,' absolute honesty and dedication must be ensured to build a technologically secure homeland.
Consider a scenario: a terrorist group is secretly plotting bomb attacks across the country, particularly as the possibility of such conspiracies increases near elections. In this context, NTMC's interception technology becomes a bulwark of protection. Law enforcement agencies can instantly sense the plot using the systems of NTMC and prevent a potential carnage.
The need for these technologies and organizations for national defence is undeniable, but they must be strictly bound by the shackles of law, policy and ethics. Maintaining their efficacy must be ensured solely under the sharp scrutiny of judicial approval.
A dreadful example of technological misuse is VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) fraud. While many may perceive it as a 'cheap way to call from abroad,' it is essentially a silent economic assassin. Through this crime, the country loses thousands of crores in revenue annually. Beyond the economy, this technology poses a serious threat to national security. Criminals from abroad use VoIP for human trafficking, cyber fraud, militant communication, and anti-state conspiracies. While RAB, police, and BTRC conduct visible raids, the NTMC is the agency working behind the scenes, casting a technological light to pinpoint numbers and the criminal locations.
The NTMC's Security Operations Center houses a robust cybersecurity fortress, operational with world-class security measures like a seven-layered data protection system. Far from being merely a surveillance body, the NTMC proves that Bangladesh is not lagging in the use of global-standard security technology.
The NTMC also plays a crucial role in verifying and tackling the false rumours and misinformation spread on social media in our daily lives. From identifying the source of rumours to their removal, this governmental body performs its duties with utmost dedication. Overall, the NTMC serves as the 'Invisible Archive of National Security' for law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Providing essential technical support to protect state security and sovereignty is its core mission.
In developed countries, a similar single entity efficiently utilizes sophisticated technology. Wherever the arrow of suspicion points, there is the legal eye of the NTMC. However, the NTMC does not publicly disclose its technological strategies, as this could tip off criminals. Similar agencies in other countries also remain discreet for the same reason. This unrevealed form of the NTMC is not a weakness; it is a well-considered strategy for national security, creating an unforeseen sphere of protection around the nation.
By clearing the mantle of apprehension and paving the way for truth, the NTMC has earned belief and trust, transforming into a glorious institution. The integrity of national security cannot be imagined without this entity. Now, there is a need for constructive critique. There is no alternative to strengthening the NTMC through clear guidelines and a powerful framework of accountability.
Instead of mere criticism, constructive discourse is required. Only by bringing the NTMC under the purview of accountability through explicit policies and ensuring law enforcement agencies make the best use of it, can this technology-dependent sentinel be further strengthened.
The writer is an IT expert
