Cybercrime is not merely a concern for Bangladesh; it is a global issue of significant magnitude. According to a report by The Economist, annual losses from 90 million cyberattacks worldwide amount to an astonishing $575 billion.
As a result, businesses specializing in cybersecurity are rapidly growing. Globally, women are disproportionately targeted by cybercriminals. A report by the United Nations titled Cyber Violence Against Women and Girls reveals that nearly three-quarters of women internet users worldwide have experienced some form of online harassment.
In Bangladesh, the increasing number of mobile phone users (over 130 million) and internet users (over 50 million) has also led to a surge in cybercrimes, with women becoming the primary victims.
While the internet and smartphones have expanded opportunities for women in education and professional endeavors, many women entrepreneurs now generate income through platforms like Facebook and YouTube.
However, this digital empowerment has also exposed women to greater risks of online harassment and violence.
At a seminar organized by VOICE (Voice for Interactive Choice and Empowerment) on preventing violence against women, speakers highlighted that the rise in digital technology use has coincided with an increase in violence against women.
Over the three-and-a-half years leading up to May 2024, 60,808 women reported falling victim to cybercrimes. Among these cases, 41% involved doxxing, 18% Facebook account hacks, 17% blackmail, 9% impersonation, and 8% cyberbullying.
Many victims initially do not know where to seek help or how to respond. Even when they file complaints, they are often compelled to withdraw them, a situation that warrants closer examination.
To address this issue, the "Police Cyber Support for Women" initiative was launched in 2020 to combat online harassment, but the program's limited public awareness has hindered its effectiveness.
Raising awareness through campaigns in newspapers and on social media is essential to inform individuals about how and where to file complaints. According to a study by the Cyber Crime Awareness Foundation, approximately 52% of cybercrime complaints originate from women.
Women aged 18–30 are the most affected demographic, accounting for 74% of cases. Among these are serious offenses such as superimposed images and pornography, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.
To effectively combat cybercrime, government monitoring must be complemented by awareness and proactive involvement from parents and guardians. Victims should be encouraged to preserve evidence, including call records, message screenshots, relevant links, and audio or video files, to strengthen their cases.
Moreover, societal attitudes toward women must change to foster a safer environment.
Under the ICT Act, taking and publishing personal photos or videos without consent is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to 10 million Bangladeshi taka. Strict enforcement of this law could significantly reduce cybercrimes.
Victims can seek assistance through the ICT Division's Cyber Help Desk, the government hotline (01766678888), or emergency services (999). Law enforcement agencies such as the CID, Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Unit, PBI, and RAB's cybercrime cells are also equipped to provide support.
Publicizing these resources is crucial for preventing cybercrime, and enhancing the investigative capacity of law enforcement is equally important.
The Bangladesh Mahila Parishad has proposed eight recommendations to combat violence against women in cyberspace, including conducting research, developing mobile applications, creating guidelines, and improving digital literacy. Swift implementation of these measures is essential to protect women in the digital sphere.