National Roundtable Calls for a Safer Digital Future: Bangladesh Unites Against Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV)
As digital transformation accelerates opportunities and risks, policymakers, media, technology leaders, law enforcement agencies, and civil society actors emphasise collective action to protect dignity, safety, and equal participation in the digital age
Bangladesh is experiencing a profound digital transformation. Over the past two decades, technology has reshaped how people communicate, access public services, conduct business, receive education, and participate in social and civic life. Digital platforms, mobile applications, e-governance services, and online communication tools have opened new pathways for inclusion, innovation, and economic opportunity.
However, every transformation creates new responsibilities. As millions of people move into digital spaces, the risks associated with technology misuse have become increasingly visible. The same platforms that connect communities and expand opportunities are also being exploited for harassment, blackmail, cyberbullying, identity theft, image-based abuse, privacy violations, and other forms of technology-enabled violence.
Among those affected, women and girls continue to experience disproportionate risks. Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) has emerged not simply as an online safety concern, but as a broader human rights, gender equality, social protection, and development challenge.
A woman’s experience of violence in digital spaces does not remain confined to the internet. The consequences often extend into her personal life, mental well-being, education, employment opportunities, social participation, and confidence to engage in public spaces. A society cannot achieve meaningful digital inclusion if a significant portion of its population feels unsafe, threatened, or excluded online.
Recognising this urgent challenge, Daily national new paper Prothom Alo and the Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) jointly organised a national roundtable titled:
“Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence: Time for Prevention and Mitigation”
The roundtable brought together approximately 50 representatives from government institutions, Parliament, law enforcement agencies, cybercrime units, regulatory bodies, academia, media, technology companies, civil society organisations, development partners, and youth-led organisations to develop a shared understanding and identify practical pathways for action.
The event was organised under BNNRC’s project:
“Strengthening Resilience Against Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) and Promoting Digital Development”
implemented through the Nagorikata: Civic Engagement Fund (CEF) Programme, funded by the Embassy of Switzerland, Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and the European Union (EU), with technical support from GFA Consulting Group.
The Growing Challenge: When Digital Progress Creates New Vulnerabilities
The discussion highlighted that technology itself is not the problem. Rather, the challenge lies in how digital tools are used, governed, and accessed.
Recent evidence demonstrates the growing scale of the issue. According to the Police Cyber Support for Women, as of May 2024, 60,808 women had sought support related to cyber-related incidents, including doxxing, Facebook account hacking, blackmail, impersonation, and cyberbullying.
A 2024 survey conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and UNFPA also identified concerning patterns of technology-enabled gender-based violence, including sexual blackmail, image-based abuse, and digitally facilitated controlling behaviour.
Participants noted that many survivors continue to face barriers in accessing justice and support due to limited awareness of reporting mechanisms, social stigma, fear of retaliation, and gaps in institutional coordination.
The discussion emphasised that TFGBV must be addressed through a comprehensive approach combining prevention, awareness, accountability, legal protection, survivor support, and responsible technology governance.
From Concern to Action: A National Dialogue for Solutions
The roundtable created a platform where diverse stakeholders examined the changing nature of TFGBV and explored ways to build a safer digital environment.
The objectives of the dialogue were to:
deepen understanding of emerging forms, risks, and impacts of TFGBV;
identify rights-based approaches to protect women, youth, and marginalised communities;
review existing legal, policy, and institutional response mechanisms;
strengthen collaboration among government, technology actors, media, civil society, and communities.
During the discussion, participants explored several critical areas, including:
improving public awareness about digital safety;
strengthening cybercrime response mechanisms;
ensuring survivor-friendly support services;
enhancing legal and institutional coordination;
promoting responsible technology use;
encouraging ethical media coverage of digital violence.
A Shared Responsibility: Building Partnerships Across Sectors
The roundtable recognised that no single institution can address TFGBV alone.
Government agencies have a role in strengthening policy and institutional frameworks. Law enforcement agencies and justice institutions are essential for ensuring accountability. Technology companies must contribute to safer platforms and responsible digital ecosystems. Media organisations have the power to shape public understanding through accurate and sensitive reporting. Civil society and community organisations remain critical in reaching vulnerable populations and supporting survivors.
The initiative follows the Leave No One Behind (LNOB) principle by ensuring participation of women, youth, underserved communities, and marginalised groups.
Through BNNRC’s wider project activities, six civil society organisations and nine community radio stations across 14 districts are contributing to community-level awareness, digital literacy, and prevention initiatives.
Impact: Turning Dialogue into Policy and Community Action
The national roundtable strengthened collaboration among key actors and generated practical recommendations for future action.
Key recommendations included:
1. Strengthening Prevention and Awareness
Expand digital literacy and awareness initiatives at community levels.
Promote responsible online behaviour among children, youth, and adults.
Increase awareness about available support services.
2. Improving Response and Accountability
Strengthen coordination among law enforcement, service providers, NGOs, and communities.
Improve access to survivor-centred support mechanisms.
Enhance capacity for cyber investigation and digital evidence management.
3. Promoting Responsible Digital Development
Encourage technology stakeholders to contribute to safer online environments.
Promote ethical content creation and responsible media practices.
Ensure that digital transformation remains inclusive and rights-based.
The recommendations from the roundtable have been consolidated to support future policy discussions and programme interventions.
To expand public awareness, Prothom Alo published a special supplement highlighting the discussions and recommendations of the roundtable.
Call for Continued Action: Protecting Human Dignity in the Digital Age
The roundtable concluded with a shared understanding that the future of Bangladesh’s digital transformation depends not only on technological advancement but also on ensuring safety, equality, and human dignity.
Participants called for sustained cooperation among:
government institutions;
Parliament and policymakers;
law enforcement agencies;
judiciary and legal support institutions;
technology companies;
media organisations;
civil society organisations;
educational institutions;
youth and community leaders.
BNNRC and Prothom Alo emphasised that preventing technology-facilitated gender-based violence requires a long-term commitment to awareness, accountability, inclusion, and collaboration.
A safer digital Bangladesh will not be created by technology alone. It will be built through responsible innovation, informed citizens, effective institutions, and a collective commitment to ensuring that everyone can participate in digital spaces with confidence, security, and dignity.