Tech-Driven Gender-Based Violence Targets Women Candidates and Journalists Ahead of 13th National Election
Women candidates, political activists and journalists participating in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election are facing a disproportionate level of technology-facilitated gender-based violence, including online harassment, intimidation, sexually abusive disinformation and doxxing—the unauthorised disclosure of personal information.
The concern was raised on Sunday, February 1, by Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bangladesh, at the closing session of a two-day training programme on election reporting held at Hotel La Vinci in the capital. Describing the attacks as attempts to silence voices, he termed the situation “deeply concerning for democratic processes.”
The programme was organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB), with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain attending as the chief guest. The training was supported by UNDP and the Media Resources Development Initiative (MRDI), and facilitated by Farid Hossain, former Bangladesh Bureau Chief of the Associated Press (AP).
The closing session, moderated by DCAB General Secretary Emrul Qayes, also featured remarks from MRDI Executive Director Hasibur Rahman and DCAB President AKM Moinuddin.
In his address as a special guest, Stefan Liller said gender equality and inclusive participation are fundamental pillars of democratic legitimacy. However, the reality is that women candidates, political activists and journalists are being subjected to disproportionate levels of technology-facilitated violence. He explained that many are falling victim to doxxing—defined as the act of searching for and publishing personal and identifying information, such as home addresses, phone numbers or workplace details, with the intent to harass, intimidate or cause harm. Such attacks, he noted, are increasingly being used as a tactic to push women out of public spaces.
Speaking on election reporting, the UNDP Resident Representative said that electoral processes are among the most technically and politically sensitive components of democratic governance. They involve complex legal frameworks, codes of conduct, rules governing voters and candidates, vote-counting procedures, and mechanisms for complaints and dispute resolution. In this context, journalists play a critical bridging role between institutions and citizens. When elections are reported clearly, accurately and responsibly, citizens gain a better understanding not only of what is happening, but also why and how it is happening.
He urged media professionals to remain vigilant, warning that during periods of intense political competition, inaccurate or ambiguous reporting can unintentionally escalate tensions and undermine public trust in electoral outcomes.
Addressing information integrity and journalist safety, Liller said elections worldwide are increasingly influenced by disinformation, misleading campaigns, hate speech and digitally manipulated content. The rapid spread of false narratives—often created or amplified using artificial intelligence—poses serious risks to electoral integrity and public confidence.
Protecting information integrity, he stressed, also means ensuring the safety of journalists. Media professionals working in unsafe or hostile information environments face harassment, threats and intimidation both online and offline. “Safe journalists mean safe elections,” he remarked.
Liller emphasised the importance of accuracy, impartiality and ethical judgment in election reporting. He also noted that election coverage by Bangladeshi journalists is closely monitored by diplomats, international observers, development partners, investors and global media outlets. As a result, election-related narratives significantly shape international trust, diplomatic engagement, and perceptions of a country’s reputation and democratic maturity.
According to him, this places an added responsibility on journalists covering elections in diplomatic contexts. Responsible reporting helps present moments of political contestation on the international stage as part of a legitimate, rules-based democratic process.
It may be noted that the United Nations is working closely with the Bangladesh Election Commission through the BALLOT and DRIP projects. Under these initiatives, technical, logistical, institutional and civic education support is being provided throughout the entire electoral cycle.
DBTech/SUJ/MUM/OR
