Dhaka: 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. This initiative aimed to address the growing concerns of gender-based violence facilitated by technology.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the programme saw the participation of 90 individuals from Dhaka and various districts. The training is part of a broader project titled ‘Strengthening Resilience Against Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence and Promoting Digital Development’, under the Nagorikata: Civic Engagement Fund (CEF) programme. This initiative is supported by Switzerland, Global Affairs Canada, and the European Union, with technical assistance from GFA Consulting Group.
Representatives from the Nagorikata: CEF programme, including Dr. Adi Walker, Team Leader, and other experts such as Md. Nurul Islam, Zarrin Tasnim, and Faridul Haque, were present. They discussed the importance of protecting civic space and freedom of expression. Dr. Adi Walker emphasized the urgent need to tackle online harassment faced by women and highlighted three priorities: challenging perpetrators, transforming societal attitudes, and ensuring positive change through collective action.
Course Coordinator Rehan Uddin Ahmed Raju explained that the primary goal of the School of TFGBV is to enhance the knowledge and capacity of stakeholders regarding the risks and prevention strategies of technology-facilitated gender-based violence. Sessions were conducted by various experts, including Selina Keya and AHM Bazlur Rahman, covering topics from gender concepts to inclusive digital development.
Deputy Attorney General Barrister Tasnuva Shelly and Advocate Jeba Mobashwira provided insights into the legal dimensions of cybercrime and the importance of modernising legal frameworks to address these challenges effectively. Md. Jahidul Islam from Bangladesh Police highlighted the need for awareness at grassroots levels, while Fatema Tul Zannat from the ICT Division stressed coordinated efforts to combat such violence.
The programme concluded with participants sharing experiences and affirming their commitment to using the skills gained for advocacy and awareness initiatives in their communities. Certificates were distributed to participants, marking the successful completion of the training.