In 2013, Samiya (pseudonym) was studying in grade eight at a school in the capital. She received an unsolicited edited photo in her Facebook inbox. The sender had sent a photoshopped version of her image, depicting her in an uncomfortable scenario.
The photoshopped depiction, commonly known as gola-kata chobi (doctored from the neck), was a common method of blackmailing girls on social media during the first two decades of the twenty-first century.
Worldwide, this type of activity is known as a deepfake, which involves creating a photo or video of a person in which their face or body has been digitally altered so that they appear to be someone else, typically used maliciously or to spread false information.
In the era of digital platforms and artificial intelligence (AI), deepfake technology has become a growing concern worldwide.
In most cases, the victim faces uncomfortable situations and social bullying due to deepfake photos and videos.
During this report, the Dhaka Tribune correspondent met five different girls who had received unsolicited deepfake images—or gola-kata chobi—in their social media inboxes.
Samiya told Dhaka Tribune: “I was traumatized for two-three years.”
Instead of going to her parents or taking legal action, Samiya only shared her feelings with her female cousin, who was a year or two older. Her cousin consoled her.
“At that time, I was thinking about what would happen if that person sent it to other people. How can I tell my family that it isn’t me?” said Samiya.
Even after a decade, Samiya is still not comfortable taking any action or revealing her identity.
Samiya remarked that it is a growing problem. “With the introduction of AI, photos are now more realistic. It will be even more traumatizing for a grade eight student right now.”
Dr Munmun Jahan, a psychiatrist at Lifespring, told Dhaka Tribune that she had seen multiple patients who had received AI-edited photos.
Psychological impact
Dr Munmun Jahan said: “Cases of cyberbullying often begin as early as age 12.”
“At such a young age, victims may feel unable to share their experiences, leading to trauma. Over time, this trauma can develop into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),” she said.
Jahan remarked that as the condition worsens, it may result in insecure attachment patterns. In severe cases, these attachment issues can evolve into personality disorders.
According to her, victims often struggle with restlessness and an inability to cope with depression.
“Many attempt to self-diagnose, often misattributing their symptoms to anxiety or ADHD. Without proper intervention, some resort to self-harm, suicide attempts, substance abuse, compulsive eating or shopping, or frequent changes in romantic partners,” said Jahan.
Jahan stressed that strong family support can make a significant difference. “With counselling, extracurricular activities, and meaningful social interactions, many victims can recover,” she said.
For girls currently facing cyberbullying and blackmail, Dr Munmun Jahan emphasizes that one’s worth should never be defined by an image. She urges victims to seek help from understanding family members rather than suffering in silence. If possible, legal action should be taken, as cyber predators thrive on fear and secrecy.
“For those without supportive families, confiding in a trusted friend, engaging in physical activities, or participating in extracurricular pursuits can provide relief and a path to healing,” she added.
Social impact
Maliha Tabassum, assistant professor at Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), warns that the distinction between cyberbullying and traditional bullying is becoming increasingly blurred.
"Bullying is no longer confined to the online or offline world; each fuels the other. A person can be harassed in real life for something they did online, and vice versa," she told Dhaka Tribune.
This evolving form of harassment, she noted, is forcing women into self-censorship. Even vocal female activists, who once fearlessly advocated for change, are now choosing silence over backlash.
"In light of recent incidents, many women hesitate to speak out, fearing both online and offline repercussions. There is an atmosphere of fear, and I am living in it too," said Tabassum.
According to Tabassum, parenting strategies in Bangladesh differ starkly between boys and girls, placing young women at an inherent disadvantage.
"A boy is already 100 metres ahead of a girl from the finish line," she remarked, highlighting how societal expectations and restrictions limit women's digital freedom.
She also raised concerns about the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in cyberbullying, emphasizing the lack of awareness in Bangladesh.
"AI is a growing concern for everyone, but how many people here know that an inappropriate image or video can be convincingly generated using AI? This digital literacy gap needs urgent attention," she said.
However, she pointed out that for victims, societal judgment is an even greater fear than AI-generated content.
"A girl may know that an image is fake, but her greatest worry is: How do I convince society that it’s not real?"
Tabassum stressed the need for socio-emotional learning in primary education to help the next generation navigate cyberspace safely.
Her previous research revealed that 23% of girls engage in cyberbullying against other girls, proving that the issue extends beyond just male aggressors.
She believes that incorporating socio-emotional learning into school curricula could foster empathy and digital responsibility.
Beyond curriculum reform, she also emphasized the need for teacher training to ensure that educators can effectively address cyberbullying and guide students toward healthier online behaviour.
Legal steps
People can take action against cyberbullying under the Cyber Security Act until the new law is introduced. However, experts acknowledge that there are gaps in the existing law.
Barrister Miti Sanjana, a supreme court lawyer and researcher, noted that the Cyber Security Act does not address cyberbullying that occurs in private inboxes. Its jurisdiction is limited to defamation in public spaces.
