BLAST Calls for Stronger Safeguards Against Online Harassment
Cyber Support for Women and Children, a platform advocating for online safety, has called for the implementation of a seven-point demand, including the removal of harassment-related content and videos, legal action against individuals involved in cyberbullying, and the establishment of a framework to protect personal data.
During an event marking International Women’s Day on Saturday, the platform emphasized the need to promptly remove offensive content targeting women, children, or any individuals on digital platforms. It also urged the authorities to take effective legal measures against perpetrators of technology-facilitated gender-based violence and develop a structured framework to ensure the protection of personal information.
Prior to the event, a rickshaw rally was organized by BLAST (Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust) in Dhaka’s Korail slum to raise awareness on the issue. Following the rally, speakers at the event highlighted significant legal and structural challenges in combating cybercrimes in Bangladesh.
They stated that the absence of a well-defined personal data protection framework and the lack of explicit mention of technology-facilitated gender-based violence in the country’s cyber laws have created major obstacles in prosecuting offenders involved in cyber harassment, cyberbullying, revenge pornography, and sextortion. Furthermore, they pointed out that many law enforcement officials lack in-depth knowledge of these issues, making victims hesitant to seek legal assistance.
To address such concerns, Cyber Support for Women and Children has urged the inclusion of technology-facilitated gender-based violence in the country’s cyber laws, mandatory acceptance of digital forensic evidence, amendments to the Pornography Control Act of 2012, and the protection of sensitive and personal evidence of victims. Additionally, the platform demanded the formation of a dedicated cybercrime unit, specialized training for judicial and law enforcement officials on handling online violence cases sensitively, and the integration of digital literacy into educational curricula.
