Dhaka: The Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) organised a two-day training programme, titled ‘School of TFGBV: Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence – Prevention, Mitigation, Response and Digital Development Campaign,’ which took place on 12-13 May at a training centre in the capital. The event gathered 90 participants from Dhaka and various districts across Bangladesh, focusing on strategies to combat technology-facilitated gender-based violence.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the programme is part of BNNRC’s project, ‘Strengthening Resilience Against Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence and Promoting Digital Development.’ This initiative is supported by the Nagorikata: Civic Engagement Fund (CEF) programme and funded by Switzerland, Global Affairs Canada, and the European Union, with technical backing from GFA Consulting Group. Key figures representing the Nagorikata: CEF programme were present, including Dr. Adi Walker, Md. Nurul Islam, Zarrin Tasnim, and Faridul Haque.
Zarrin Tasnim emphasised the programme’s goals, highlighting the importance of protecting civic space and freedom of expression. Dr. Adi Walker noted the prevalence of online harassment faced by women worldwide, outlining priorities such as confronting perpetrators, transforming societal attitudes, and driving change through collective actions. Course Coordinator Rehan Uddin Ahmed Raju explained that the School of TFGBV aims to strengthen knowledge and capacity among stakeholders regarding the risks and prevention of technology-facilitated gender-based violence.
The event featured sessions by experts like Selina Keya on gender concepts, AHM Bazlur Rahman on digital development, and Shahnaz Munni on TFGBV challenges. Legal perspectives were offered by Deputy Attorney General Barrister Tasnuva Shelly, who stressed the need for modernising legal systems to address cybercrime effectively. Advocate Jeba Mobashwira discussed cyber offenses and legal rights for victims, while Md. Jahidul Islam from the Bangladesh Police highlighted the importance of awareness and proposed expanding initiatives to grassroots levels.
Fatema Tul Zannat from the ICT Division underscored the necessity of coordinated efforts to tackle technology-facilitated violence. She pointed out the role of digital etiquette in preventing online offenses. As the programme concluded, participants shared their experiences, expressing that the training equipped them with valuable insights for advocacy and prevention initiatives in their communities. The event wrapped up with the distribution of certificates to participants.