The Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) organised a two-day specialised training programme titled “School of TFGBV: Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence — Prevention, Mitigation, Response and Digital Development Campaign:, held on 12–13 May at a training centre in the capital. The program brought together 90 participants from Dhaka and different districts across the country.
BNNRC is implementing the project titled “Strengthening Resilience Against Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence and Promoting Digital Development.” The initiative is being carried out 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.
Representing the Nagorikata: CEF programme at the event were Dr. Adi Walker, Team Leader; Md. Nurul Islam, Capacity Development and Management Expert; Zarrin Tasnim, Communication and Outreach Expert; and Faridul Haque, Gender and Advocacy Expert.
Ms. Zarrin Tasnim highlighted the goals and objectives of the Nagorikata: CEF programme and emphasised the importance of protecting civic space and safeguarding freedom of expression.
Dr. Adi Walker, Team Leader of the Nagorikata: CEF programme, stated that a significant proportion of women internet users worldwide experience some form of online sexual harassment or abuse. He stressed three key priorities in addressing digital violence: challenging perpetrators, transforming social attitudes and institutional structures, and ensuring positive change through collective action.
The programme objectives and background were presented by Course Coordinator and Development Consultant Rehan Uddin Ahmed Raju. He explained that the primary goal of the School of TFGBV is to strengthen the knowledge and capacity of multi-stakeholder actors regarding nature, risks, impacts, and prevention strategies related to technology-facilitated gender-based violence. The initiative also seeks to enhance awareness of existing laws, policies, and protection mechanisms, identify actions necessary for creating a safe and inclusive digital environment, and strengthen dialogue, partnerships, and coordinated action among relevant stakeholders.
Gender specialist Selina Keya conducted a session on “Fundamental Concepts of Gender and the Impact of Gender in Development Interventions.” A session on “Inclusive Digital Development and Social Media: Concepts and Types” was facilitated by AHM Bazlur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of BNNRC.
Senior journalist and BNNRC TFGBV Training of Trainers (ToT) graduate trainer Shahnaz Munni led a session titled “TFGBV: Definitions, Types, Negative Impacts and Challenges.” Another session on “Information Integrity and Fact-Checking” was conducted by Hiren Pandit, Project Coordinator of BNNRC.
Deputy Attorney General Barrister Tasnuva Shelly addressed the legal dimensions of cybercrime, highlighting the importance of digital forensic evidence in cybercrime prosecutions, the reasons behind low conviction rates in cyber tribunals, and the prevailing culture of victim-blaming. She noted that without modernisation of the legal system, it would be difficult to effectively address technology-facilitated violence.
Advocate Jeba Mobashwira also discussed legal issues, providing participants with insights into various cyber offenses, relevant legal provisions, punishment frameworks, and available support services. She stressed the need to end the culture of blaming survivors and reaffirmed that every victim has the full legal right to justice.
Additional DIG of Bangladesh Police, Md. Jahidul Islam underscored the importance of awareness in using digital platforms and proposed expanding BNNRC’s awareness initiatives to the district and grassroots levels. He observed that many incidents involving the leakage of personal photos or information in cyberspace are linked to deteriorating interpersonal relationships, adding that awareness is as crucial as legal measures in ensuring digital safety.
Ms. Fatema Tul Zannat, Deputy Secretary of the ICT Division, stated that overcoming technology-facilitated violence requires coordinated efforts at personal, family, social, and state levels. She noted that due to a lack of understanding of “netiquette” or digital etiquette, ordinary citizens may unknowingly become complicit in spreading misinformation or committing online offenses.
During the closing session, participants from various districts shared their experiences and reflections. They stated that the knowledge and skills gained from the training would support awareness and advocacy initiatives to prevent TFGBV in their respective communities. Participants also noted that the programme provided them with new perspectives on gender-based discrimination, legal remedies for digital harassment, and online safety practices. Certificates were distributed among participants at the end of the training.
BNNRC believes that raising awareness at the local level, expanding legal literacy, and ensuring active participation of stakeholders are essential to preventing technology-facilitated gender-based violence. Initiatives such as the School of TFGBV can play a vital role in building a safe, humane, and inclusive Digital Bangladesh.