Our smartphone, which is our all-time companion these days, can act like a virtual detective. It monitors everything through the camera, listens to phone conversations, WhatsApp messages, texts, voice calls and pictures. If a particular intelligence agency or government wants to spy on someone, they use spyware.
One of the most modern and well-known hacking software of today is Pegasus, which is mainly used for surveillance of opposition parties, journalists, human rights activists, lawyers and other individuals. There are allegations that various organizations including the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center in Bangladesh use spyware like Pegasus. It is believed that the Awami League government is spending a huge amount of money on such surveillance as part of its anti-democratic repressive policy.
What is Pegasus and why is it so dangerous?
Pegasus is a spyware or intelligence software developed by the Israeli cybersecurity company NSO Group. It is able to access the smartphone and take control of the user’s personal information, communications, and the device’s camera and microphone. Pegasus is so dangerous because it can monitor all the activity of the user’s phone, such as calls, messages, emails, and even control the camera and microphone. This poses a major risk to personal privacy, security and sensitive information.
Also, Pegasus is installed using multiple security holes that are difficult for the general user to discover. It can be used for official and commercial purposes, and poses a serious threat to the privacy and security of citizens in general.
Evidence & Allegations
Between 2016 and 2018, Canadian research firm Citizen Lab discovered some evidence about the possibility of Pegasus spyware being active in Bangladesh. They found some servers connected to Bangladesh’s telecommunications infrastructure, which were believed to have been infected with spyware. The evidence identified Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) as a target, raising fears of widespread surveillance in the country.
Although the Bangladesh government has denied buying or using Pegasus, the use of Pegasus around the world has already given rise to multiple scandals. According to the report, Pegasus has been used by governments of several countries against journalists, human rights activists, and political leaders. Although NSO Group claims that its software is only sold to legitimate government agencies, various investigations have shown that it has often been used illegally against state opponents.
Role of NTMC
The National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC) of Bangladesh is responsible for monitoring telecommunication in the country. NTMC monitors all mobile phones, telecommunication networks and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the country. NTMC operates under the Telecommunication Act, 2001 and its main goal is to ensure national security, prevent militant activities and prevent crime. There are many controversies about NTMC. Especially, there are allegations of privacy violation and surveillance of opposition parties and journalists. Many human rights organizations and civil society have expressed concern over NTMC as it can be considered as a threat to personal privacy. Although there is no evidence of direct use of Pegasus, NTMC can monitor communications which means they can use such advanced spyware.
NTMC is very much relevant in today’s Bangladesh. But they should be transparent and accountable so that it’s only used for national security and citizens’ privacy.
Global Context
Bangladesh is not the only country where such allegations have been made. The use of Pegasus has sparked widespread condemnation worldwide, with governments accusing the software of using the software to silence critics and violate privacy. NSO Group claims that they only sell Pegasus to government agencies for legitimate law enforcement purposes, but reports suggest that the software has often been used outside of this purpose.
Is Pegasus or other spyware currently being used in Bangladesh?
There is no direct confirmation of whether Pegasus or other spyware programs are currently being used in Bangladesh. However, according to various international reports and research of human rights organizations, the issue of cyber surveillance and privacy violations in other countries, including Bangladesh, can be worrisome.
Cyber surveillance and data collection have been discussed in Bangladesh recently, but there is no specific evidence of the use of Pegasus or any special spyware. However, it is important for governments and security agencies to monitor policies and technology, and any new information made available will be disseminated in the public interest.
In Conclusion
These allegations can create an atmosphere of fear on free expression in Bangladesh. Allegations of surveillance of opposition politicians, journalists, and human rights defenders, if proven, could have serious implications for democracy and human rights in the country. The allegation of the use of Pegasus spyware in Bangladesh is important not only locally but also internationally. If an advanced and effective technology is used against citizens, it poses a serious threat to privacy and human rights. The global community will be watching the next investigation into the use of this technology in Bangladesh and its consequences.
Reference Link
Citizen Lab’s investigation into Pegasus spyware(HIDE AND SEEK: TRACKING SO GROUP’S PEGASUS SPYWARE TO OPERATIONS IN 45 Countries – The Citizen Lab)
Details about Pegasus (spyware) – Wikipedia)
