Speakers at a national consultation emphasized the need for coordinated policies, accountability, and increased awareness to prevent, mitigate, and ensure response for TFGBV amid the rapid expansion of digital technologies.

The call was made at a national consultation titled “Prevention, Mitigation and Response for Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence in the Context of Digital Development: The Role of Technology Platforms,” organized by the Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC). The event, held at the CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka, was moderated by development expert Dr. S M Morshed.

BNNRC organized the National Consultation under the project titled “Strengthening Resilience Against Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) and Promoting Digital Development.” The project is implemented as part of the “Nagorikata: Civic Engagement Fund (CEF)” programme, funded by Switzerland, Global Affairs Canada, and the European Union, with technical assistance from GFA Consulting Group.

The welcome remarks and keynote presentation were delivered by Mr. AHM. Bazlur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of BNNRC. Among the distinguished discussants were Mr. Mohammad Anwar Uddin, Additional Secretary of the ICT Division; Barrister Khalilur Rahman, Acting Director General of the NGO Affairs Bureau; Mr. Md. Jahidul Islam, Additional DIG of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID); Mr. Md. Farhan Alam, Deputy Director of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC); Mr. Md. Nurul Islam, Capacity Development and Management Expert at GFA Consulting Group’s Nagorikata Programme; and Ms. Tahrina Tahrima Chowdhury, Research Fellow at the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), among others.

Speakers noted that while technology has made life easier and access to services faster, it has also led to a rise in online violence, including blackmail, identity fraud, image manipulation, data breaches, cyber harassment, and hate speech. Women, children, adolescents, and gender-diverse individuals are disproportionately affected by these forms of violence.

In his opening remarks, Mr. AHM. Bazlur Rahman stressed the importance of addressing the evolving and complex forms of gender-based violence in the digital age. He underscored the urgent need for coordinated measures to ensure prevention, protection, timely redress, and survivor-centered support.

Participants highlighted the need to strengthen policy and institutional frameworks, improve access to justice and remedies, ensure accountability of technology platforms and service providers, and enhance awareness at individual, family, and community levels. The discussion also touched on introducing national ID-based verification systems to reduce fake accounts on social media and ensuring localized services tailored to Bangladesh.

According to data presented at the consultation, a 2024 report by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) found that 89 percent of women social media users in Bangladesh have experienced online violence at least once. Women aged 18 to 30 are the most vulnerable group.

The discussion outlined various forms of TFGBV, including cyberstalking, cyberbullying, doxxing, hacking, online harassment, image-based abuse, child grooming, technology-facilitated sexual violence, and gender-based hate speech.

Mr. Md. Farhan Alam of BTRC stated that the commission received 13,023 complaints for content removal on social media last year, of which over 12,000 pieces of content were removed. Approximately 90 percent of complainants were women. He emphasized the need to raise awareness at the family level to prevent online harassment against women.

Mr. Mohammad Anwar Uddin, Additional Secretary of the ICT Division, noted that Bangladesh already has several legal frameworks to address TFGBV, but greater public awareness of these laws is essential.

Mr. Md. Jahidul Islam, Additional DIG of CID, pointed out that law enforcement agencies face challenges in taking action when victims do not seek legal assistance. He stressed the importance of encouraging reporting and promoting access to legal support.

Barrister Khalilur Rahman, NDC highlighted the need to educate users about the risks of online violence and fraud associated with digital platforms.

Speakers also informed that survivors of online violence can seek support through the Police Cyber Support for Women (PCSW) hotline (01320-000888), the PCSW Facebook page, and email services.

The consultation further noted that women are frequently subjected to doxxing, where personal information is shared without consent to intimidate or threaten them. Such forms of violence can have long-term psychological impacts, underscoring the need for stronger preventive measures at both administrative and societal levels.

Mr. Md. Nurul Islam observed that social stigma and fear often prevent women from reporting incidents. He emphasized the importance of effective identity-verification mechanisms to curb harassment by fake accounts, as well as widespread awareness campaigns.

Additional speakers included Mr. Sohrab Hasan, Ms. Shamima Akter, Ms. Shahnaz Munni, Ms. Shahnaz Sharmin, Ms. Jeba Mobashwira, Mr. Mohammad Abdul Haque, Mr. Md. Kawsar Uddin, Mr. Moin Ahmed, Mr. Abdullah Al Mamun, Professor Dr. Hakikur Rahman, Ms. Sharmin Israil, Dr. Md. Nuruzzaman, Mr. S. M. Selim, Mr. Sikandar Ali, Mr. Mahmudul Hasan, Engineer Safayet Hossain, Ms. Lucky Akter, Ms. Nusrat Chowdhury Chowa, and Ms. Mahafuza Haque Neela, among others.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of digital sovereignty, data protection laws, and policy alignment with international technology platforms. Speakers noted that effective engagement with global social media platforms to ensure country-specific services could significantly help reduce fake accounts and online violence.