Cyberbullying and online harassment increasingly threaten people's dignity, privacy, and mental well-being in Bangladesh. Women, children, students, journalists, and social workers are among the most frequent targets. Although several laws have been enacted to curb cybercrime, serious questions remain about their effectiveness, enforcement, and misuse.
Cyberbullying involves repeated acts of intimidation, humiliation, or psychological harm through digital platforms. It may include spreading rumours, publishing images or videos without consent, operating fake accounts, online shaming, trolling or sending threatening messages. Cyber harassment similarly covers offensive or threatening conduct online, including hate speech and sexually abusive communication. Because digital content spreads rapidly, the harm caused is often widespread and long-lasting.
The impact on victims is severe. Many experience anxiety, depression, social withdrawal and loss of confidence. Some are forced to leave educational institutions or workplaces, while false or distorted online content damages reputations and professional lives. Women and children, in particular, face heightened risks of gender-based harassment.
Bangladesh has attempted to respond through various legal frameworks, including the Digital Security Act 2018, provisions of the Penal Code 1860, and more recently the Cyber Security Ordinance. While these laws provide a basis for action, enforcement remains weak. Cyber tribunals are limited in number, case backlogs persist, and law enforcement agencies often lack technical capacity. Public legal awareness is also low, discouraging victims from seeking justice.
To address these gaps, the authorities must prevent the abuse of cyber laws, strengthen institutional capacity, and ensure proper training for police and judges. Digital literacy and awareness programmes should be expanded and social media platforms must be made more accountable. Only through a balanced, victim-centred, and rights-respecting approach can a safer digital environment be built.
Akash Ahmed, Bangladesh University of Professionals
akashahmed169179@gmail.com
