Borders in the cloud: Bangladesh’s fight for digital self-rule

In today's world, information is power. Countries are no longer just competing for land, natural resources, or military strength. They are now also fighting to control data — who owns it, where it is stored, and how it is used. This shift marks the rise of a new type of global politics called digital geopolitics. 

In this new battlefield, data sovereignty, meaning a country's ability to control the data of its people and protect it from foreign access, has become a key issue. Bangladesh, like many developing countries, finds itself in a complex position in this emerging global order. It is increasingly dependent on foreign technology and digital services but has not yet developed strong rules or systems to protect its own digital space. This creates both opportunities and serious challenges.

The global landscape of digital geopolitics is increasingly tense. The US and China are competing to control future digital infrastructure, with the US imposing sanctions on Chinese firms like Huawei and TikTok, citing security risks. China, in turn, has built a separate digital ecosystem. 

The European Union promotes a third path, focusing on digital rights and strong data protection laws like the GDPR. These competing models are pressuring smaller countries to choose sides. 

For nations like Bangladesh, heavily dependent on foreign aid, investment, and technology, navigating this complex digital divide is a major challenge with no easy answers.

For us, this is a critical moment. Over the past decade, the country has rapidly expanded its digital footprint. Internet access has grown, mobile phone usage is widespread, and online services are now part of daily life. However, much of this progress depends heavily on foreign companies and imported technologies. 

For example, social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube dominate the digital space, and Chinese companies provide major hardware and software support. Bangladesh does not yet have the technical ability or the legal strength to regulate these platforms effectively. 

This leaves a gap in control, where the data of millions of citizens is being collected, stored, and possibly analysed outside the country's borders. Without proper rules, this data could be misused for surveillance, manipulation, or even political influence.

One of the most concerning issues is the lack of strong legal protection for digital rights and data privacy in Bangladesh. The existing laws, such as the CyberSecurity Act (CSA), focus more on controlling speech and preventing cybercrimes than on protecting citizens' personal data. 

At the same time, there is no separate data protection law that clearly defines who can access data, how it should be stored, or what rights individuals have over their own information. This absence of legal clarity weakens the country's position in the digital world and opens the door for foreign actors to exploit vulnerabilities.

Cybersecurity is another area where Bangladesh is still underprepared. As digital systems grow, so do the risks of hacking, data leaks, and misinformation. There have already been incidents of attacks on government websites, financial institutions, and critical infrastructure. In an environment where both state and non-state actors can launch digital attacks, having a strong national cybersecurity framework is essential. 

Yet, cybersecurity in Bangladesh remains fragmented and underfunded. The lack of skilled professionals, limited investment in research, and poor coordination between government agencies make it difficult to respond to evolving threats. As other countries form digital alliances and invest in advanced cyber defense, Bangladesh risks falling behind.

Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for Bangladesh to strengthen its digital sovereignty. First, the country must focus on creating a comprehensive data protection law that aligns with international standards while respecting its own social and political context. This law should clearly define how data is collected, stored, shared, and protected. 

It should also ensure that citizens have the right to access, correct, and delete their personal data. Such a legal foundation will not only protect individual rights but also make Bangladesh more attractive to responsible foreign investors who value data security.

Second, Bangladesh should diversify its digital partnerships. Instead of relying too heavily on a single country for digital infrastructure or services, it should seek balanced cooperation with multiple countries and organizations. For example, while engaging with China on connectivity and hardware, it can work with the EU on digital governance and with India or Japan on cybersecurity. Participation in global or regional digital forums can also help Bangladesh gain access to knowledge, funding, and best practices.

Third, the country should invest in local digital innovation. Encouraging startups, supporting research in data science and cybersecurity, and developing local alternatives to foreign platforms can slowly reduce dependence on outside actors. 

While this is a long-term process, even small steps can help build a more secure and self-reliant digital economy. The government, private sector, and educational institutions must work together to create an environment where digital innovation is not only possible but also protected.

Finally, public awareness is crucial. People need to understand the value of their data, the risks of data misuse, and their rights in the digital world. Campaigns, education, and media engagement can help build a culture of digital responsibility, which is essential for any policy to succeed.

Bangladesh stands at a turning point in the age of digital geopolitics. The choices made today will shape the country's digital future for decades to come. Without proper safeguards, the growing digital dependence may turn into digital vulnerability. 

But with the right policies, strategic partnerships, and investments in local capacity, Bangladesh can protect its data sovereignty and become a confident player in the global digital landscape. 

The path ahead is complex, but it is also full of possibilities. As the world moves deeper into the digital age, Bangladesh must act not just as a user of technology, but as a guardian of its own digital destiny.

H M Sabbir Hossain, an undergraduate student of International Relations at the University of Chittagong.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.