Dr. Matiur Rahman

Rabeya is a 25-year-old professional living in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Rabeya is an outspoken advocate for gender equality, regularly expressing her views on social media platforms. However, her online activism comes at a price. Rabeya has become a target for anonymous trolls who flood her social media accounts with derogatory comments and threats. The cyberbullying has taken a toll on her mental health, pushing her into a state of isolation and shame. Fearful of the societal judgment that may follow if she speaks out, Rabeya remains silent about her struggles, highlighting the toxic culture of cyberbullying and the resulting alienation within Bangladesh.

Nusrat, a 20-year-old university student from Chattogram, finds herself caught in a double bind between traditional societal expectations and the harsh reality of cyberbullying. Nusrat's passion for pursuing a career in a male-dominated field has made her a target of online harassment. Anonymous individuals have created fake profiles to spread false rumours about her personal life, tarnishing her reputation within her conservative community. Nusrat's struggle epitomizes the complex interplay between traditional norms and the modern menace of cyberbullying, exacerbating the sense of alienation experienced by women in Bangladesh.

Rukhsar, a 30-year-old entrepreneur in Sylhet, had her life turned upside down when a disgruntled former associate initiated a cyberbullying campaign against her. False accusations and manipulated images were disseminated across various online platforms, damaging Rukhsar's professional and personal life. Despite reporting the incidents to the authorities, the lack of stringent cyber laws and slow legal proceedings have left her in perpetual distress. Rukhsar's case highlights the urgent need for legal reforms to protect women from the lasting impact of cyberbullying in Bangladesh.

Ayesha, a 22-year-old student in Rajshahi, found herself entangled in a web of cyberbullying that spilt into her real life. A seemingly innocuous online disagreement with a classmate escalated into a full-blown harassment campaign. The harasser not only targeted Ayesha's online presence but also began stalking her offline. Fearful for her safety, Ayesha withdrew from social activities, feeling increasingly alienated and trapped. This case underscores the dangerous potential of cyberbullying to transcend the virtual realm, affecting the real lives of women in Bangladesh.

In contrast to the harrowing stories of victimization, Tahmina, a 28-year-old activist from Barisal, found strength in solidarity. Tahmina faced relentless cyberbullying for her advocacy work on women's rights. Instead of succumbing to isolation, she reached out to support groups and NGOs working against cyberbullying. Through collective action, Tahmina found emotional support and became part of a movement advocating for legal reforms and societal change. Her story serves as a beacon of hope, showcasing the resilience and empowerment that can emerge through community support in the face of cyberbullying in Bangladesh.

In the digital age, the rise of technology has brought unprecedented connectivity, but it has also given birth to a dark underbelly – cyberbullying. While it affects individuals globally, its impact on women in Bangladesh is particularly noteworthy. The intricate web of societal norms, cultural expectations, and the rapid integration of technology has created an environment where cyberbullying becomes a potent tool for perpetuating alienation.

Bangladesh, a country with a rich cultural tapestry, has not remained untouched by the pervasive reach of the internet. With the increasing accessibility of smartphones and social media platforms, cyberbullying has found fertile ground. Unlike traditional forms of bullying, cyberbullying operates in the virtual realm, allowing perpetrators to remain anonymous while inflicting emotional harm on their victims. Women, often targeted due to societal prejudices, find themselves grappling with this insidious form of abuse.

Bangladesh, like many other societies, holds ingrained expectations regarding the roles and behaviours of men and women. Women, in particular, face a double standard where traditional norms dictate their actions and expressions. The rise of social media has given these deeply ingrained biases a new platform for expression. Women who defy societal expectations are not only subjected to direct cyberbullying but also to the overarching societal judgment that exacerbates their sense of alienation.

One of the most insidious aspects of cyberbullying is its use as a tool for control. Women in Bangladesh often find themselves at the mercy of online harassment that seeks to limit their autonomy and freedom. This can take the form of derogatory comments, doxxing, or the non-consensual sharing of personal information. The fear of such attacks becomes a silencing force, pushing women into conforming to societal norms to avoid the repercussions of online harassment.

The repercussions of cyberbullying extend far beyond the digital sphere, taking a toll on the mental health of its victims. Women, already navigating societal expectations, find themselves isolated and emotionally drained as they become victims of online abuse. Depression, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness become constant companions, leading to a cycle of alienation that is difficult to break. The silence surrounding mental health in many societies, including Bangladesh, further perpetuates this hidden struggle.

The normalization of cyberbullying is a collective failure that permeates society at large. From bystanders who witness online harassment but remain silent to the lack of stringent laws and regulations, the issue is compounded by a systemic failure to address the root causes. The normalization of such behaviour further alienates women, making them feel isolated and abandoned by a society that should be protecting them.

Social media platforms and technology companies bear a significant responsibility as the primary arenas where cyberbullying unfolds. While they have tried to curb online harassment, there is a long way to go. Improved reporting mechanisms, stricter enforcement of community guidelines, and proactive measures to identify and punish perpetrators are crucial. Collaboration between these platforms and local authorities in Bangladesh is essential to create a safer digital space for women.

Addressing cyberbullying and its impact on the alienation of women in Bangladesh requires a cultural shift. Breaking free from entrenched gender norms, fostering empathy, and creating open dialogues are essential. Education plays a pivotal role in challenging societal prejudices, empowering women to assert their rights, and educating men about the importance of equality. Initiatives aimed at dismantling the culture of silence surrounding cyberbullying can help create a supportive environment where victims feel heard and validated.

The legal framework in Bangladesh must evolve to address the complexities of cyberbullying. Strengthening legal protections for victims, ensuring swift and just punishment for perpetrators, and raising awareness about the legal consequences of online harassment are vital. Collaboration between lawmakers, law enforcement agencies, and advocacy groups can pave the way for comprehensive legal reforms that recognize the unique challenges posed by cyberbullying.

Building a strong support network within communities is crucial to combat the alienation caused by cyberbullying. Support groups, counselling services, and community-based initiatives can provide a lifeline for women facing online harassment. Empowering women to share their experiences, providing them with the tools to protect themselves online, and fostering a sense of community resilience are integral components of creating a society that stands united against cyberbullying.

The alienation of women in Bangladesh due to cyberbullying is a multifaceted issue that demands urgent attention. It requires a concerted effort from individuals, communities, technology companies, and policymakers to create a safer, more inclusive digital landscape. By challenging societal norms, strengthening legal protections, fostering empathy, and providing robust support systems, we can hope to break the chains of alienation and pave the way for a future where women in Bangladesh can thrive without fear of cyberbullying.

The writer is a researcher and development worker