The Multiparty Advocacy Forum (MAF) has called for amendments to the Cyber Security Act, 2026, to introduce clear legal protection against technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), saying the law does not adequately address online abuse.
The forum made the demand at a press conference at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia Hall of the National Press Club, where it presented a six-point set of recommendations for a safe, inclusive and accountable digital environment.
Speakers said TFGBV should be recognized as a distinct and serious offence under the law. They said the Cyber Security Act, 2026, lacks clear definitions of TFGBV and “consent” and does not specifically address emerging forms of digital violence, including deepfakes, sextortion, cyberflashing, cyberstalking, doxxing and coordinated online harassment.
The forum recommended:
- Establishing clear legal definitions of TFGBV and “consent”;
- Introducing provisions to address new forms of digital violence;
- Ensuring safe and accessible complaint mechanisms and protecting victims’ identities;
- Ensuring swift removal of harmful content and preservation of digital evidence;
- Holding digital platforms accountable; and
- Providing compensation and prompt, effective legal remedies for victims.
Speakers said TFGBV was not merely a cybercrime but a serious threat to human rights, personal safety and the equal participation of women and marginalized communities.
They urged policymakers to adopt the recommendations and make the Cyber Security Act more effective, victim-centered and responsive to emerging forms of digital abuse. They also called for active media cooperation to raise public awareness about TFGBV.
Members of Parliament Nadia Pathan Papon and Sultana Jasmine Jui spoke on the need to include TFGBV in the law and ensure legal protection for victims.
The written statement was presented by Sayra Chandra Chakma, joint general secretary of the central committee of Chhatra Dal, and Golam Mostafa, joint convener of the Bangladesh Youth Federation. The programme was moderated by Enzamul Haque of the NCP and Nasrin Rahman Popi of Chhatra Dal.
MAF Vice-President and Dhaka South BNP Joint Convener Saidur Rahman Mintu, MAF member and central Mohila Dal office secretary Shahinur Nargis, and leaders of various political parties also spoke.
The press conference was held under the B-SPACE project, implemented by Democracy International and funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).