Hiren Pandit

Bangladesh is often celebrated as a rising digital nation. Over the past decade, the country has
embraced Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to transform governance, expand
public services, and accelerate economic growth. From e-governance platforms to mobile-
based financial services, digital tools have reshaped how citizens interact with the state and the
economy. Yet beneath this promising narrative lies a growing and deeply troubling reality: the
same technologies enabling progress are also being used to perpetrate violence—particularly
against women and girls.
Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) is emerging as one of the most urgent,
yet under-addressed, challenges in Bangladesh’s digital transformation journey. If left
unchecked, this form of violence risks undermining not only individual safety and dignity but
also the broader goals of inclusive development and digital equity. Bangladesh’s digital
expansion is undeniable. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), as of mid-
2025, more than 56 percent of the population uses the internet, nearly 99 percent uses mobile
phones, and over 72 percent are smartphone users. Access to electricity has reached almost
universal levels, further enabling digital connectivity.
These gains have improved governance transparency, reduced service delivery gaps, and
created new economic opportunities. Citizens can now access services online, participate in
digital platforms, and engage more directly in civic processes. However, increased connectivity
has also created new spaces for harm. The same platforms that empower users are increasingly
being weaponized to harass, exploit, and silence—especially women.
The extent of TFGBV in Bangladesh is alarming. According to a December 2024 report by the
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), nearly 89 percent of women and girls in Bangladesh
have experienced some form of online violence. Globally, two out of three women face such
abuse at least once in their lifetime. The risks begin early. Girls aged 9 to 14 are already
vulnerable, and young women between 18 and 30 are the most affected. Yet the majority of
cases remain hidden—around 75 percent of victims do not report incidents or seek legal
recourse.
Data from Police Cyber Support for Women (PCSW) further underscores the severity of the
issue. In 2024 alone, more than 60,000 complaints were filed. Of these, 41 percent involved
doxxing (the release of private information), 18 percent hacking of social media accounts, 17
percent blackmail, and smaller but significant shares involving impersonation and cyberbullying.
These numbers are not just statistics; they represent real lives disrupted, silenced, and often
permanently altered.
Contrary to common assumptions, TFGBV is not limited to a specific demographic. However,
certain patterns are clear. A joint survey by UNFPA and BBS in 2024 found that women aged 20
to 24 face the highest levels of digital violence (16 percent), followed by those aged 25 to 29
(13.3 percent) and adolescents aged 15 to 19 (11.9 percent). Even women over 60 are not

entirely spared. Education, surprisingly, does not offer protection. In fact, highly educated
women are more likely to be targeted. Nearly 18.8 percent of women with graduate-level
education reported experiencing TFGBV, compared to lower percentages among less-educated
groups. Marital status also plays a role. Women living separately from their husbands face the
highest risk, with nearly one in five reporting incidents of digital violence.
Perhaps most revealing is that TFGBV is not confined to active internet users. Even women
without personal access to digital devices—around 3.4 percent—have experienced such
violence. This highlights a critical reality: digital harm does not stay online; it spills into offline
life, affecting safety, reputation, and social standing.
TFGBV takes many forms, often evolving with technology itself. It can be as direct as
cyberstalking—where a woman is repeatedly followed, messaged, or threatened online. It can
manifest as cyberbullying, with coordinated harassment campaigns targeting women for their
appearance, opinions, or simply for being visible in public spaces. More invasive forms include
doxxing, where personal information such as home addresses or phone numbers is published
without consent, often accompanied by threats. Hacking and blackmail are also common,
particularly in cases involving intimate images.
Perhaps most concerning is the rise of image-based abuse, including the use of artificial
intelligence to create “deepfake” images and videos. A simple photograph can now be
manipulated into explicit content and circulated widely, causing irreversible damage. These
forms of violence are not isolated incidents—they are part of a broader ecosystem of gendered
harassment designed to control, intimidate, and silence.
The impact of TFGBV extends far beyond the immediate incident. For many victims, the
consequences are psychological, social, and economic. Mental health effects are among the
most immediate. Victims often report anxiety, depression, loss of confidence, and chronic
stress. In extreme cases, the trauma leads to self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Socially, victims
may face stigma, blame, and isolation. In a society where reputation is deeply tied to family and
community standing, digital attacks can have devastating offline consequences.
Professionally, many women withdraw from online platforms altogether—abandoning careers,
businesses, or educational opportunities that depend on digital engagement. This has direct
economic implications, not only for individuals but for the country as a whole.
At a broader level, TFGBV creates a chilling effect. Women become less likely to express
opinions, participate in public discourse, or take on leadership roles. This undermines
democratic processes and reinforces existing gender inequalities.
Bangladesh has several laws that can be applied to TFGBV, including the Women and Children
Repression Prevention Act (2000), the Pornography Control Act (2012), and the recently
enacted Cyber Security Act (2026). While these laws provide a foundation, significant gaps
remain. Enforcement is often inconsistent, legal processes can be lengthy and complex, and
many victims are unaware of their rights.
Moreover, the rapid evolution of technology—particularly AI-driven abuse—has outpaced
existing legal frameworks. Without continuous updates and stronger implementation
mechanisms, the law risks lagging behind the problem it seeks to address.

There are encouraging signs of political recognition. In its 2026 election manifesto, the
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) pledged to take stronger action against online gender-based
violence, increase awareness, and strengthen legal protections. The manifesto also emphasizes
the importance of expanding the ICT sector, creating jobs in emerging technologies, and
preparing the workforce for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. However, commitments must
translate into action. Addressing TFGBV requires not just policy statements but sustained
investment, coordination, and accountability.
Recent work by the Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) provides
valuable insights into the realities on the ground. BNNRC is implementing a project titled
“Strengthening Resilience Against Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) and
Promoting Digital Development.” The project is being implemented under the Nagorikata: Civic
Engagement Fund (CEF) program, funded by Switzerland, Global Affairs Canada, and the
European Union, with technical support from GFA Consulting Group. Over six months, BNNRC
engaged more than 1,100 stakeholders—including journalists, civil society representatives,
legal professionals, and content creators—across six districts: Barishal, Patuakhali, Pirojpur,
Kushtia, Satkhira, and Mymensingh. Through dialogues, workshops, and consultations, several
key challenges emerged: Low digital literacy and awareness, widespread use of unregistered
SIM cards, the rise of AI-enabled abuse, weak institutional coordination, limited mental health
support services, and inadequate content moderation in Bangla, social stigma and
underreporting. These findings reinforce the need for localized, context-specific interventions
alongside national-level policies.
The Way Forward: A Collective Response, Addressing TFGBV requires a multi-stakeholder
approach. First, legal and institutional frameworks must be strengthened. Laws should be
updated to address emerging forms of digital violence, and enforcement mechanisms must be
improved. Second, access to justice must be expanded. Reporting systems should be simplified,
victim protection ensured, and legal aid made more accessible. Third, technology companies
must be held accountable. Platforms should invest in better content moderation, particularly in
local languages, and respond more swiftly to reports of abuse. Fourth, awareness and
education are critical. Digital safety should be integrated into school curricula, and nationwide
campaigns should promote responsible online behavior. Fifth, support systems must be
strengthened. This includes mental health services, counseling, and community-based support
for survivors. Finally, all interventions must be grounded in a human rights-based, victim-
centered approach. The voices and experiences of survivors should guide policy and practice.
Bangladesh’s digital future holds immense promise. But that promise cannot be realized if half
the population feels unsafe in digital spaces. TFGBV is not just an online problem—it is a
societal challenge that reflects deeper inequalities. Tackling it is not only about protecting
individuals; it is about safeguarding the integrity of the country’s digital transformation. A truly
digital Bangladesh must also be a safe and inclusive one. The question is no longer whether the
country can act, but whether it will act fast enough.
As the use of technology continues to expand across all spheres of life, ensuring digital security,
gender justice, and the protection of human rights must be recognized as fundamental pillars of
sustainable development. These are no longer peripheral concerns but central to building an

inclusive and equitable digital society. Preventing TFGBV requires strong, coordinated action
among all key stakeholders—including government institutions, NGOs, civil society
organizations, media, technology sector actors, educational institutions, and law enforcement
agencies. Without such integrated collaboration, efforts will remain fragmented and less
effective.
At the same time, collective action must prioritize raising widespread awareness about TFGBV,
its risks, and its consequences. Strengthening referral mechanisms to ensure timely and
appropriate support for survivors is equally critical, as is simplifying access to legal,
psychological, and social services. There is also a pressing need to develop and implement
evidence-based policies that reflect the evolving nature of digital violence. Integrating digital
safety, ethical technology use, and gender sensitivity into NGO programs and development
interventions can play a transformative role in prevention. Taken together, these measures can
significantly reduce the prevalence and impact of TFGBV, helping to create safer digital spaces
where all individuals—especially women and girls—can participate freely, confidently, and
without fear.

Hiren Pandit
Columnist and researcher
hiren.bnnrc@gmail.com