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The government is set to introduce a series of legal, technological and institutional measures to combat online harassment, hate speech, cyberbullying and digital violence, with a special focus on protecting women in digital spaces, according to official sources.
The government has already finalized the relevant legal framework, while funding for the initiatives has been approved in the FY2026-27 national budget.
The planned measures include stricter laws against cyber violence and online sexual harassment, faster investigation and prosecution of cybercrimes, and the establishment of specialized institutional mechanisms to strengthen cyber security.
As part of the initiative, a dedicated intelligence unit and a Cyber Crime Tracking System will be established to monitor, detect and investigate online violence and abuse targeting women.
The government also plans to launch nationwide awareness campaigns through mass media and religious institutions to discourage online abuse, promote responsible digital behaviour and enhance public awareness of cyber safety.
The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division is prioritizing women-friendly cyber security training and plans to integrate digital safety and data protection education into the national curriculum to equip students with essential cyber security skills.
To support the programme, the government has allocated Tk 1.676 billion (Tk 167.6 crore) in the FY2026-27 budget under a project titled “Ensuring Cyber Security and Reducing Violence Against Women.”
In his budget statement to the state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the dignity and safety of women.
He said creating women- and child-friendly workplaces remains one of the government’s highest priorities and stressed that a zero-tolerance policy would be enforced against workplace violence and sexual harassment.
The finance minister also said the government’s election manifesto places special emphasis on eliminating gender-based violence and expanding economic opportunities for women. He described gender-responsive budgeting as an important policy tool for ensuring equitable allocation of public resources and building an inclusive, discrimination-free society.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet Committee formed to finalize the draft Cyber Protection (Amendment) Act, 2026 met at the Secretariat on July 15 to review proposed amendments.
The meeting discussed measures to strengthen cyber security, protect citizens’ digital rights and create a safer digital ecosystem in response to rapidly evolving technologies. Several recommendations were approved to make the proposed law more modern, practical and effective.
Policy analysts say that stronger legislation, technology-driven cyber monitoring, public awareness campaigns and digital safety education, if implemented effectively, could significantly improve online safety and help create a more secure digital environment in Bangladesh.
