STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Bangladesh must confront the rapid rise of digital violence against women and girls, said speakers yesterday.

They cautioned that without stronger safeguards in online spaces and accessible reporting and support systems, women will remain vulnerable to harassment, exploitation, and tech-facilitated abuse, which increasingly leads to offline harm.

The seminar, “16 Days Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 2025,” was organised by Ipas Bangladesh with support from the health ministry, UNFPA, and the High Commission of Canada at the DGHS Conference Bhaban in Dhaka.

Dr Sayed Rubayet, country director of Ipas, said, “Violence against women and girls remains one of Bangladesh’s most urgent human rights and public health challenges, and we must respond with unity, mindset change and survivor-centred services.”

Dr Mohammad Shawket Hossain Khan, director of the Health Economics Unit, said, “Gender-based violence cannot be tackled in isolation. Eleven ministries are now engaged in strengthening medical, psychosocial and legal responses. No single institution can end violence without coordinated national commitment.”

Former Women’s Affairs Reform Commission member Dr Halida Hanum Akhter urged Edward

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