Experts at a dialogue have stressed the urgent need for rights-based reforms to protect freedom of expression, privacy and civic participation in Bangladesh's evolving digital landscape.
As technology becomes an inseparable part of everyday life, online repression, data misuse, surveillance, misinformation and cyber harassment are increasingly posing risks to citizens, particularly marginalised communities, they said.
The event, organised by VOICE with support from Access Now in the city on Saturday, brought together civil society representatives, activists, media professionals, lawyers, academics, women's rights advocates, youth groups and indigenous leaders.
Key concerns raised during the dialogue included the shrinking of civic space, threats to online freedom of expression, significant gaps in data protection, and the absence of accountability in digital governance.
Delivering the keynote presentation, Musharrat Mahera, Deputy Director (Programmes) at VOICE, emphasised that digital rights must be recognised as integral to fundamental human rights.
"The digital sphere is no longer separate from our everyday lives. When voices are silenced online, communities are silenced offline, it is urgent that we ensure digital safety, uphold privacy, and safeguard every individual's right to speak, organise and participate freely," she said.
Gender and media researcher Afroja Shoma called for reforms aligned with international human rights standards.
"People ought to speak their minds freely online, yet in today's reality, instead of finding safety in digital spaces, they too often face persecution and detention," she noted.
Aminul Ehsan, Deputy Chief of Party at Democracy International, emphasised the importance of collaborative policymaking.
"Digital rights cannot be defended in silos. We need coordinated efforts between civil society, policymakers, media and communities to ensure an open and democratic digital future," he said.
Activist Arif Hasan stressed the need for inclusive engagement across communities. "Marginalised groups must engage in inter-community dialogues to understand each other's digital struggles and challenges; only then can they raise a collective voice."
Ahmed Swapan Mahmud, Executive Director of VOICE, highlighted the organisation's continued advocacy for media freedom and the protection of frontline defenders.
"At a time when digital repression and disinformation are intensifying, it is vital that we stand together to protect the rights of those most at risk," he added.
Throughout the session, participants shared experiences, discussed ongoing challenges, and outlined advocacy priorities.
They underscored the need for transparent governance, stronger legal safeguards, improved digital and media literacy, and targeted protection mechanisms for journalists, women, human rights defenders, and indigenous communities.
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