MAF urges Cyber Security Act changes to curb online abuse, gender violence

The Multiparty Advocacy Forum (MAF) has called for amendments to the Cyber Security Act-2026 to introduce clear legal protection against technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), saying the law does not adequately address online abuse.

The forum made the demand at a press conference at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia Hall of the National Press Club on Monday, where it presented a six-point set of recommendations for a safe, inclusive and accountable digital environment.

Speakers said TFGBV should be recognized as a distinct and serious offence under the law. They said the Cyber Security Act-2026, lacks clear definitions of TFGBV and “consent” and does not specifically address emerging forms of digital violence, including deepfakes, sextortion, cyberflashing, cyberstalking, doxxing and coordinated online harassment.

The forum recommended:

Establishing clear legal definitions of TFGBV and “consent”;

Introducing provisions to address new forms of digital violence;

Ensuring safe and accessible complaint mechanisms and protecting victims’ identities;

Ensuring swift removal of harmful content and preservation of digital evidence;

Holding digital platforms accountable; and

Providing compensation and prompt, effective legal remedies for victims.

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Speakers said TFGBV was not merely a cybercrime but a serious threat to human rights, personal safety and the equal participation of women and marginalized communities.

They urged policymakers to adopt the recommendations and make the Cyber Security Act more effective, victim-centered and responsive to emerging forms of digital abuse. They also called for active media cooperation to raise public awareness about TFGBV.

Members of Parliament Nadia Pathan Papon and Sultana Jasmine Jui spoke on the need to include TFGBV in the law and ensure legal protection for victims.

Sayra Chandra Chakma, joint general secretary of the central committee of Chhatra Dal, and Golam Mostafa, joint convener of the Bangladesh Youth Federation, presented the written statement.

Enzamul Haque of the NCP and Nasrin Rahman Popi of Chhatra Dal moderated the programme.

Among others, Saidur Rahman Mintu, vice-president of MAF and joint convener of BNP at Dhaka South; Shahinur Nargis, member of MAF and office secretary of the central Mohila Dal; Alamgir Hossain Labu, organising secretary of MAF; Arafat Billah Khan, project implementation secretary; Hawa Akter Toha, assistant research secretary; and members Armanul Haque, Mohammad Ali Toha and Mousumi Sheikh were also present.