Patuakhali Correspondent 

 A Consultation Meeting was organised to Combat Technology-Facilitated Gender Based Violence in Patuakhali  by the Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) as part of its ongoing project, “Strengthening Resilience Against Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) & Promoting Digital Development.” on Monday. 

This initiative is part of the Nagorikata: Civic Engagement Fund (CEF) Programme, implemented with technical support from GFA Consulting Group, and funded by the Embassy of Switzerland and Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

The Consultation with the Legal issues brought together 34 participants from a wide range of sectors, including Deputy Commissioner’s representative, Deputy Director and District Women Affair’s Officer, Assistant Director, Department of Mass Communication, Patuakhali, Legal Aid Lawyers, Public Prosecutor, Panel Lawyers, Members of the District Committee for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and from BLAST Lawyer, Human Rights Coalition member, Cable Operator, Representatives from Manusher Jonno Foundation, Web Foundation, and Aparajeyo Bangladesh, Professional Associations (College Teachers’ Association, Lawyers’ Association), Internet Service Providers Association, Local Newspaper Editor and Media Representatives, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad Representative, Human Rights Activists and Women-led NGOs, Cultural Organization,Local Academician, Youth Representatives (Female & Male)

The objectives of the consultation are to integrate TFGBV considerations into the activities of district-level legal aid officers and non-government legal aid organisations. To support legal aid lawyers and members of the District Committee for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Children in taking proactive steps to prevent TFGBV. To enhance dialogue and collaboration between civil society organisations and government institutions.To encourage and strengthen the role of district-level legal aid officers and organisations in establishing referral systems and improving legal aid services for survivors.

Mahfuza Islam, Director, Shuktara Mahila Sangstha, welcomed the participants. AHM Shamsul Islam, Mission Head of Speed Trust, who outlined the objectives and expected outcomes of the event and moderated the whole program.

A key session titled “Understanding Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence” was facilitated by AHM Bazlur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of BNNRC. This session explored the definitions, forms, impacts, and the existing legal and policy frameworks for addressing TFGBV.

Following the presentations, a dynamic panel discussion was held on the “Anticipated Role of Legal Aid Officer, Legal Aid Panel Lawyers and other Legal Aid Organizations for Mitigation and Response of TFGBV. The discussion highlighted the need for integrated action, shared responsibility, and innovative strategies to address the growing threat of TFGBV.

In the closing session, Saifuddin Al Madani, Assistant Director of the Department of Mass Communication, highlighted the critical need for collective action to combat TFGBV. He called for increased awareness among family members, educators, and students to foster a safer environment.

Shirin Sultana, Deputy Director of the Department of Women's Affairs in Patuakhali, underscored the vulnerability of women and female students as primary victims of GBV and TFGBV. She acknowledged that men can also be affected by TFGBV, urging a united approach among policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and community members to effectively address this pressing concern.

Nusrate Jahan Athina, serving as the chief guest and representing the Patuakhali district administration, emphasised the government's ongoing commitment to tackling this significant issue. She recognised the complexity and the emergence of new forms of gender-based violence, stressing the importance of collaboration between community members and the administration. Victims are encouraged to take legal recourse and report incidents to local law enforcement and authorities. It is imperative that we all engage actively in our respective capacities to address and combat TFGBV effectively.

By the end of the consultation, District-level legal aid officers, representatives from non-governmental legal aid organisations, and civil society representatives will have increased awareness and understanding of TFGBV.Coordination between civil society and government institutions will be strengthened.Legal aid lawyers and members of the District Committee for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Children will take active roles in addressing TFGBV. Relevant stakeholders will develop and implement clear action plans to ensure justice for survivors and improve the effectiveness of legal aid services.

This consultation marks an important step to strengthen collaboration among civil society, legal aid providers, and government institutions at the district level to effectively address TFGBV and improve protection and support services for survivors.