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IN AN increasingly interconnected world, outsourcing public services to foreign entities has become a growing global trend. Bangladesh, like many other nations, is embracing this shift, as seen in its recent decision to assign the printing and issuance of driving licenses to Madras IT. This decision, however, prompts a larger question: How much control should a nation hand over when it comes to its essential services? While outsourcing offers the promise of efficiency and cost savings, it also poses significant risks. Entrusting sensitive citizen data to foreign companies raises serious concerns about national security and privacy. Additionally, the outsourcing of public services can weaken a nation’s sovereignty and create dependencies that could prove detrimental in the long run.

As Bangladesh reaches this critical crossroads, it must carefully evaluate the potential benefits against the risks. The choices made now will impact not only citizens’ everyday lives but also the country’s future as an independent and self-reliant nation. The appeal of outsourcing is evident. It offers the promise of modernised services, advanced technologies and global expertise. Yet, these gains come with a price. The real question is: What are we willing to sacrifice, and who truly holds the power in this exchange?

In a world where digital interconnectivity reigns supreme, Bangladesh’s every move must be calculated and cautious. The stakes are high and the future of its sovereignty hangs in the balance.

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Outsourcing: A Faustian bargain

OUTSOURCING is not inherently evil, nor is it inherently good. Like a Faustian bargain, it offers us something we deeply desire — in this case, efficiency and modernisation — but at what cost? In the rush to leapfrog into a smarter, more technologically advanced future, there is a risk of handing over the keys to our digital kingdom.

Driving licenses and vehicle registration systems are more than just routine administrative services. They are gateways to an individual’s personal life — addresses, national identification numbers and vehicle ownership details form part of an intricate web of data that, if compromised, can unravel the very fabric of personal and national security. Such a trove of information is an irresistible lure for hackers, cybercriminals and foreign powers seeking to extend their influence.

Imagine if this data were to fall into the wrong hands. The consequences could be devastating, both at the individual and national levels. Personal privacy, already fragile in the digital age, would be shattered. And beyond that lies an even darker horizon: foreign actors, armed with the sensitive details of millions, could manipulate, exploit and destabilise from within.

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Learning from global precedents: The US and Lebanon

RECENT global events provide us with cautionary tales of what happens when nations fail to protect their critical infrastructure. The US Commerce Department’s recent announcement marks a pivotal moment in their technological landscape. By proposing stringent restrictions on Chinese and Russian software and hardware in connected vehicles, the department has taken a decisive step to safeguard both national security and the future of the American automotive industry. Connected vehicles, equipped with advanced technologies like vehicle connectivity systems and automated driving systems, are increasingly becoming an integral part of our transportation infrastructure. However, this technological advancement also carries significant risks. The new notice of proposed rule-making, NPRM, highlights the potential vulnerabilities of using foreign technology, especially those with ties to China and Russia. The department’s decision reflects a growing awareness of the evolving nature of threats in the digital age. In an interconnected world, technologies embedded in everyday devices can be weaponised for malicious purposes. By restricting the use of potentially compromised components, the US government aims to prevent foreign adversaries from exploiting these vulnerabilities.

This move is a significant departure from traditional industrial policy. It recognises that in an era where digital and physical infrastructures are intertwined, national security must evolve alongside technological advancements. By tightening control over the automotive sector, the US not only protects its citizens but also asserts its technological sovereignty in a highly competitive global landscape. The Commerce Department’s decision sends a clear message: the stakes of innovation are no longer merely economic; they are geopolitical. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the battle for technological supremacy will shape the future of nations. The US, by taking decisive action, is positioning itself as a leader in this digital frontier.

And then there is Lebanon. The assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, paired with the simultaneous explosion of thousands of walkie-talkies and pagers, sent shockwaves through the region. The incident, attributed to Israel, exposed the deep vulnerabilities of Lebanon’s security apparatus, making it clear that foreign manipulation had penetrated to the core of the nation’s operational capabilities.

Lebanon’s story is a warning to Bangladesh. The digital battleground is not limited to obvious military infrastructure — it can extend into what appear to be the most mundane public services. By outsourcing these services to foreign entities, Bangladesh could unwittingly open the door to external influence and manipulation, leading to outcomes that may be difficult, if not impossible, to reverse.

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The digital battleground

IN THE 21st century, data is not just currency — it is power. The control of data, and by extension, the control of the digital infrastructure through which that data flows, is the new frontier of geopolitical influence. For Bangladesh, the decision to outsource critical public services must be framed within this understanding.

We are not just talking about potential data breaches or privacy violations. The stakes are far higher. If sensitive personal data becomes accessible to foreign actors, the consequences could be catastrophic. What might start as a minor leak could snowball into large-scale surveillance, cyberattacks and manipulation, ultimately jeopardising national security.

The lessons from the US and Lebanon illustrate a stark truth: no nation can afford to be complacent when it comes to digital sovereignty. Bangladesh’s choices now will shape its future, and there is no room for error.

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A plan of action: safeguarding digital sovereignty

IN NAVIGATING this treacherous path, Bangladesh must approach the situation with foresight and resolve. A few crucial steps can help mitigate the risks while still allowing the country to embrace the benefits of modernisation.

Establish strong data protection laws: Bangladesh must not dance around the issue of personal data. Comprehensive laws must be enacted to protect how data is collected, stored and shared, ensuring that foreign companies adhere to the same stringent standards expected of domestic entities.

Rigorous vetting of foreign partners: Much like forming alliances in international diplomacy, Bangladesh must thoroughly investigate any foreign firms looking to take control of public services. Their cybersecurity protocols, track records in data management and potential ties to foreign governments must all be scrutinized. This isn’t just due diligence — it’s a matter of survival.

Mandate data localisation: To prevent sensitive data from being syphoned off into foreign servers, Bangladesh should insist on data localisation. By keeping all critical data within the country’s borders, the risk of external exploitation is significantly reduced.

A national cybersecurity framework: No nation today can afford to operate without a robust cybersecurity framework. Bangladesh must develop a collaborative strategy with private-sector experts and international partners to ensure the highest level of digital protection. Foreign firms, if allowed to operate, must be held to the same rigorous standards to prevent any backdoors into the national infrastructure.

Regular cybersecurity audits: Outsourcing partners must not be left to operate unchecked. Continuous, independent audits are necessary to ensure compliance with national security standards. Transparency builds trust, and trust is the bedrock of security.

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A dance with the devil: the perils of outsourcing

BANGLADESH, teetering on the precipice of a fateful decision, must tread carefully. The siren song of outsourcing, promising efficiency and modernity, is seductive, but it is a siren’s song that carries with it the spectre of danger. To cede control of critical public services to foreign entities is to invite the wolves into the henhouse.

The choice before Bangladesh is not merely a matter of administrative convenience; it is a question of national survival. Will it allow foreign powers to delve into the most intimate details of its citizens’ lives, or will it forge a path of self-reliance, underpinned by strong laws, rigorous vetting and robust cybersecurity?

The world is watching, and Bangladesh’s actions will reverberate far beyond its borders. Will it become a beacon of digital sovereignty or a cautionary tale of the perils of outsourcing gone awry? The choice, as always, lies in the hands of Bangladesh, but the consequences will be felt by generations to come.

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Abdul Monaiem Kudrot Ullah is a retired Captain of Bangladesh Navy and supply chain expert.