To contain the rising trend of cyber harassment, Bangladesh Police have launched an all-woman special wing called the "Police Cyber Support for Women".

Police Inspector General Benazir Ahmed formally launched the wing at a ceremony at the Rajarbagh Police Lines Auditorium yesterday.

"We want to make the cyber world safer," the IGP said.

Upon receiving complaints, the cell will provide necessary advise and legal assistance to the victims, the police chief said during his speech.

"Crime in the cyber world is increasing by the day. So far, 6,099 cases have been registered for different cyber related crimes, and a majority of this cases are filed by female victims," he said.

Citing a study, Benazir further said that around sixty-eight percent of women in the cyber space have been victims of cybercrime. Of them, 73 percent were subjected to cyber bullying or harassment.

The cell will be composed solely of women -- both for investigation and counselling. The idea is to make victims feel comfortable to share their problems, said the police chief.

Victims' information will be completely confidential, he emphasised.

Two assistant superintendents of police will lead the newly-formed wing. It will be stationed at the police headquarters (PHQ) under the direct supervision of the Lawful Interception Cell (LIC). Initially, the wing will consist of 12 full-time personnel, according to officials of the concerned desk.

The cell will work in coordination with different units of the police -- DMP, DB, CID and PBI -- that are already working on similar categories of crimes, Benajir Ahmed said.

Regarding the function of the wing, M Khurshid Hossain, Deputy Inspector General of PHQ, said that women and girls who are victims of cyberbullying, ID hacking, publishing sensitive information-pictures-videos, sexual harassment and similar crimes can submit complaints here.

Victims can contact the cell by dialling 999 from any part of the country.

According to officials of the wing, they have already come up with some service delivery plans.

For legal assistance or support, the wing will send the victim to the nearby local police station or victim support centre and coordinate the investigation procedure from the PHQ.

HOW VICTIMS CAN CONTACT THE CELL

Facebook page: Police Cyber ​​Support for Women (PCSW)

Email: [email protected]

Hotline: 01320000888