In this era of digital transformation, Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based
Violence (TFGBV) has emerged as a growing social and human rights concern. Women, girls, and
marginalized communities are disproportionately exposed to such violence, making awareness
raising, preventive measures, legal support, and effective coordination an urgent priority.
Against this backdrop, the NGO Affairs Bureau under the Prime Minister’s Office and the Bangladesh
NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) jointly organized a national consultation
titled “TFGBV: Prevention, Mitigation, Necessary Actions, and the Role of NGOs” on 7 May 2026 at
the conference room of the NGO Affairs Bureau.
The consultation meeting focused on TFGBV, digital development, its psychological and social
impacts, prevention and response, and legal challenges related to access to justice. The discussion also
highlighted how NGOs can integrate TFGBV prevention measures into their ongoing and future
programmes and activities.
Dr. Mohammad Jakaria, (Secretary) Director General of the NGO Affairs Bureau, was the Chief
Guest at the event. The consultation meeting was organized under the project titled “Strengthening
Resilience Against Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) and Promoting Digital
Development.” The project is being implemented under the Nagorikata: Civic Engagement Fund
(CEF) programme, funded by Switzerland, Global Affairs Canada, and the European Union, with
technical support from GFA Consulting Group.
The session was moderated by Barrister Md. Khalilur Rahman Khan, NDC, Director (Joint Secretary),
NGO Affairs Bureau. Welcoming the participants, he thanked everyone for their presence and
emphasized the importance of integrating TFGBV-related initiatives into NGO programmes and
future interventions.
The panel discussion featured Shashwatee Biplob, Associate Director, GJD, BRAC; Md. Harun-Or-
Rashid, Chief Executive, Lighthouse; and Zakir Hossain, Chief Executive, Nagorik Uddyog. A total
of 67 representatives from 38 NGOs across different sectors participated in the consultation.
Md. Nurul Islam, Capacity Development and Management Expert of the Nagorikata: CEF
Programme, stated that, similar to gender mainstreaming, technology issues must now also be
integrated into the mainstream development agenda. He noted that the NGO Affairs Bureau can play a
vital role in this regard. He further added that many NGOs and civil society organizations work
closely with the Bureau, and incorporating technology, digital safety, and TFGBV-related guidance
during project approval processes could significantly advance digital awareness nationwide.
Speaking at the event, Dr. K. M. Mamun Uzzaman, Director (Joint Secretary), NGO Affairs Bureau,
remarked that while ensuring legal protection is primarily the responsibility of law enforcement
agencies, the judiciary, and relevant government institutions, social awareness is equally essential to
building a safer society. He emphasized that technology can serve as a powerful tool for raising
awareness, particularly through community radio, regional media, and other digital platforms to
disseminate important messages to the public.
In his address as Chief Guest, Dr. Mohammad Jakaria stated that TFGBV is not merely a
technological issue; rather, it is deeply connected to human rights, gender justice, social security,
mental health, rule of law, and overall development. He stressed the need for a coordinated national
action plan to address such violence effectively. He also underscored the importance of establishing a
strong referral mechanism involving NGOs, public administration, law enforcement agencies, and service providers. Furthermore, he emphasized incorporating TFGBV issues into the activities of
district and upazila-level ICT Committees and Cyber Crime Prevention Committees, alongside
developing effective systems for regular data collection and analysis to support evidence-based
policymaking.
In the keynote presentation, AHM Bazlur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of BNNRC, conducted a
session on TFGBV and digital development. He discussed the definition, types, risks, impacts, and
prevention strategies related to TFGBV. He noted that TFGBV extends beyond online spaces and
significantly affects victims’ offline lives, mental health, social security, and physical well-being. He
called for moving away from victim-blaming social attitudes and adopting a compassionate, rights-
based, and evidence-informed approach. He also highlighted the current state of digital development,
internet usage, digital inequality, and the importance of ensuring safe internet practices.
During the open discussion session, 21 NGO representatives shared recommendations and practical
experiences from their respective fields regarding TFGBV prevention and response. Discussions
emphasized the need to address internet and social media addiction among children and youth,
promote awareness regarding online gaming, strengthen digital forensic capacity, improve the skills
of police and judicial institutions, and establish victim-friendly support systems.
Participants also stressed the importance of expanding awareness and outreach of the Police Cyber
Support for Women service. We recommended intensifying grassroots-level promotion of the helpline
number 01320-000888 and the email address [email protected].
The discussion further highlighted that raising awareness among women and girls alone is insufficient
to prevent gender-based violence and TFGBV; dedicated programmes targeting men and adolescent
boys are also necessary to transform harmful attitudes and behaviors. Emphasis was placed on
training marginalized youth in the positive use of social media, safe digital practices, and responsible
content creation. Participants also recommended involving local administration, educational
institutions, community organizations, and the media in these initiatives.
Speakers at the meeting observed that as the use of technology continues to grow, digital security,
gender justice, and the protection of human rights must be treated as integral components of
development efforts. They stressed that there is no alternative to effective coordination among the
government, NGOs, civil society, the media, technology-sector stakeholders, educational institutions,
and law enforcement agencies to prevent TFGBV.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants collectively emphasized the importance of increasing
awareness on TFGBV prevention, strengthening referral mechanisms, simplifying access to support
services, developing evidence-based policies, and integrating digital safety and gender sensitivity into
NGO programmes and interventions.