North South University (NSU) has inaugurated its Cybersecurity Center to advance research, develop skilled professionals and strengthen Bangladesh’s resilience against emerging cyber threats.

The North South University Cybersecurity Center was formally inaugurated at the university’s Plaza Area on Thursday (16 July).

The centre was established under the APAC Cybersecurity Fund of The Asia Foundation, in partnership with Protect.ngo and the Global Cyber Alliance, with support from Google.org.

Rehan Asif Asad, Adviser to the Prime Minister for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Science and Technology, attended the ceremony as chief guest.

Aziz Al Kaiser, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NSU; Benajir Ahmed, Member of the Board of Trustees; Kazi Faisal Bin Seraj, Country Representative of The Asia Foundation; and Sabbir Ahmed, Country Manager of Visa for Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, were also present.

Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of NSU, presided over the ceremony.

Professor Dr Shazzad Hosain, Director of the North South University Cybersecurity Center and Dean of the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, delivered the welcome address. Professor Dr Nasar U Ahmed, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of NSU, also spoke.

The programme began with a presentation on the centre’s ongoing projects and strategic initiatives. Guests subsequently toured its research facilities and learned about its planned activities and long-term vision.

Professor Dr Nasar U Ahmed highlighted the university’s commitment to innovation and interdisciplinary research.

“Through strong collaboration among academia, industry and government, we aim to develop the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and contribute to Bangladesh’s digital resilience,” he said.

In his keynote remarks, Rehan Asif Asad stressed the need for collective action to counter growing cyber threats.

“Cybersecurity must remain one of the government’s top priorities, alongside connectivity and digital public infrastructure,” he said.

“Through initiatives like this, universities can play a vital role in strengthening national cyber resilience and developing the skilled workforce needed for the future,” he added.

Aziz Al Kaiser said the centre reflected NSU’s commitment to preparing future-ready graduates and contributing to the country’s digital transformation.

“By bringing together academia, industry and government, the centre will catalyse innovation, research and the development of a secure digital ecosystem,” he said.

Benajir Ahmed described cybersecurity as a shared responsibility requiring strong cross-sector partnerships.

He said the centre would help build knowledge, strengthen institutional capacity and support national efforts to develop a secure and resilient digital Bangladesh.

Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury said universities had a critical responsibility to lead research, develop talent and collaborate with stakeholders to build a secure and sustainable digital future.

Following the inauguration, a high-level roundtable brought together representatives from the government, academia, industry, development organisations and the media.

Participants discussed emerging cyber threats, workforce development, public-private collaboration, digital trust and strategies for strengthening Bangladesh’s cybersecurity ecosystem.