Workshop titled "Combating Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence" held today in the capital. Photo: VOICE

DHAKA, Jan 20, 2025 (BSS) - Speakers at a workshop stressed the need for social media campaigns, workshops, and awareness-raising activities to inform the public about the various forms of online violence, its impact, and the related laws.

They said the widespread use of the internet and smartphones has led to significant advancements in women's education and employment opportunities, along with the creation of new income sources.

But the progress of online activities has also brought a troubling downside, with a notable rise in online sexual harassment and violence against women facilitated by internet and mobile technologies, the observed.

They made the remarks at a workshop titled "Combating Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence" held today in the capital.
Research-based advocacy organisation, Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment (VOICE) organised the workshop under the "Promoting Women's Equality and Rights" (POWER) project.

Journalists, civil society representatives, human rights activists, academicians, and representatives from organizations providing legal support to victims participated in the workshop.

They also emphasised the need to prioritise the voices of the victims and increase public awareness about the harmful effects of online sexual violence, they added.

Mohaiminul Islam, Additional Superintendent of Police, Cyber Investigation and Operation, Criminal Investigation Department of Bangladesh Police, said: "Conducting a case investigation involves multiple steps and barriers, including confiscating the device, sending it for forensic analysis, and contacting platforms like Facebook. Unfortunately, many of the cases we handle are just the tip of the iceberg, as thousands go unreported."

Supreme Court Advocate Shah Navila Kashphi said: "Although victims file cases, at one point they end up settling with the perpetrator and withdraw the case. So, despite having noble intentions, the lawyers struggle to fight for justice."

Daily Amar Desh Deputy Editor Sultan Mahmud stressed on building capacity of journalists so that they can develop reports on technology-facilitated gender-based violence aligning with principles of gender sensitivity and human rights.
To address the issue of online harassment, the Police Cyber Support for Women programme was launched in 2020. By May 2024, 60,808 women had sought assistance for cybercrimes. Among these victims, 41% had experienced doxxing, 18% had their Facebook accounts hacked, 17% were victims of blackmail, 9% were impersonated, and 8% faced issues related to cyberbullying. Many victims initially feel unsure about what steps to take or where to seek help and are often hesitant to involve family or friends in the early stages.

Executive Director of VOICE Ahmed Mahmud Swapan, Deputy Director Musharrat Mahera, Founder and Co-ordinator of the Meye Network Trishia Nashtaran, Advisor of Nijera Kori Sharabantahura and indigenous rights activist Dalia Chakma spoke, among others.