DHAKA, March 5, 2025 (BSS) - In the last few days, someone has been making malicious comments on Rodela's (not real name) YouTube channel, maligning her character. 
 
Rodela did not understand who was behind this and why he or she was doing so. That was why she was compelled to remove comments and close the comment box. But, some of her colleagues have taken screenshots of these before removing the comments.
 
She is being vilified in various ways. They are humiliating and insulting her repeatedly, indicating that she is such a big criminal.
 
Rodela has not been going to work for a few days and remains at home in despair. She couldn't say anything, even though her parents asked her frequently. She is afraid that if anyone at home knows, she will be misunderstood by everyone, making her sick from mental stress.
 
According to data from the Police Cyber Support Center for Women (PCSW) run by the Police Headquarters, a total of 9,117 harassment complaints were received in 2024. Of these, 715 were received in January, 653 in February, 723 in March, 730 in April, 773 in May, 842 in June,710 in July, 630 in August, 979 in September, 881 in October, 714 in November and 767 were in received in December.
 
A PhD study titled 'Psychosocial changes in women victims of cyber violence and evaluation of the criminal justice system in Bangladesh' states that women are the most victims of cyber violence through ex-boyfriends.
 
It appears that cyberspace is being chosen as an 'easy weapon' to harass and harm women in any situation. In cyberspace, no one is left behind in violence against women, whether it is acquaintances or strangers, ex-husbands, ex-boyfriends, online friends, classmates, or neighbors.
 
It said that women are the most victims of cyber violence through ex-boyfriends. This rate is about 33 percent while twenty percent through online friends, 16 percent through strangers, 12 percent through ex-husbands, eight percent through friends, six percent through colleagues
and classmates, and four percent through relatives.
 
About 90 percent of the victims are urban residents. About 37 percent of the victims are students, about 29 percent are government and 20 percent are private sector employees, and 12 percent are housewives.
 
According to the research, 90 percent of online violence cases are not reported.
 
Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of the Police Headquarters; Media and Public Relations Department Enamul Haque said, "I request those who are victims, you must file a complaint with the police. If you do not file a complaint, it is not possible for the police to take legal
action. Women police officers provide assistance at the PCSW. At least there, victims can file complaints comfortably.
 
Bangladesh Mohila Parishad President Fawzia Moslem said, 'We need to ensure the safety and secure access of women in the cyber world. The law is in place; but there is no reflection of it. Women's daily lives will become miserable-this is not acceptable in any way. The government should now focus on ensuring the safety of women.