US Objects to Chinese Software ‘Logink’: Warns Bangladesh Over Data Security Risks
Dhaka, July 20-(VOM-Voice of Malaysia): The United States has renewed warnings over the growing global use of the Chinese logistics software ‘Logink’, citing it as a potential economic and strategic threat — not just to American interests, but to allied nations including Bangladesh. The software, developed and managed under state-linked Chinese systems, is now operational in over 50 countries and at least 20 major international ports, raising alarm bells in Washington.
‘Logink’, officially known as the National Transportation and Logistics Public Information Platform, offers a “one-stop” digital solution for logistics coordination, shipment tracking, customs clearance, and enterprise-to-government data exchanges. Although the service is free and pitched as an efficiency booster in global trade, the U.S. believes the platform poses deep security risks.
According to a September 2022 report by the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, Logink’s integration into critical global infrastructure could allow the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to access sensitive data — including shipping manifests, cargo valuations, routing information, and destinations. This, the report warned, could allow Beijing to gather intelligence on military logistics and influence commercial negotiations by exploiting logistical vulnerabilities.
Bangladesh is among the countries utilizing Logink for port operations. U.S. officials have directly communicated their concerns to Dhaka, urging caution — or even discontinuation — of its use. While initially viewed as a trade or customs issue, the matter has now escalated into a high-stakes geopolitical debate, reflecting broader tensions between Washington and Beijing over digital infrastructure and strategic influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
M. Mashrur Riaz, Chairman of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, explained:
“U.S. anxiety over China’s global ambitions now goes far beyond trade policy. Logistics, maritime systems, and even data-sharing platforms are now seen as extensions of geopolitical power. Bangladesh may not be fully prepared to respond to these broader strategic expectations.”
He continued:
“It’s no longer enough to appease Washington by simply boosting exports. These concerns are deeply political and tied to global security. Unfortunately, we’ve been slow to grasp this shift in U.S. priorities.”
The European Union has echoed similar concerns. Several member states have begun reassessing the use of Logink in their own ports, with calls for tighter data privacy standards and independent cybersecurity audits.
Cybersecurity experts note that any foreign-controlled platform involved in real-time shipping and trade logistics inherently carries risks of espionage and manipulation — especially when the provider is backed by a geopolitical rival.
For Bangladesh, this creates a delicate diplomatic balancing act. On one hand, its economic partnership with China remains crucial, particularly in infrastructure and port development. On the other hand, the country must now carefully navigate rising Western scrutiny around digital sovereignty, cybersecurity, and national defense implications.
As global tech rivalry intensifies, analysts argue that Bangladesh must develop a transparent, secure, and independent digital infrastructure policy to protect its strategic autonomy — and reassure all partners in a polarized international landscape.
📲 Read the full story and stay updated with Voice of Malaysia
🔗www.vom24.com/
👇 Follow us for more updates!
✅ Facebook: facebook.com/vomvoiceofmalaysia
✅Twitter: x.com/vomalaysia
✅ Instagram: instagram.com/voiceofmalaysia
✅ YouTube: youtube.com/@vomtv24