DHAKA, June 8, 2026 (BSS) - As Bangladesh continues its rapid digital transformation, women and children are increasingly falling prey to cyberspace blackmailing.  
 
Experts warn that online harassment, cyberbullying, blackmail, identity theft, image-based abuse and AI-generated deepfake content are rising at an alarming rate, turning technology into a new form of violence. 
 
Research findings and police data show that women in Bangladesh are facing widespread digital abuse, particularly on social media platforms such as Facebook and Messenger.
  
According to recent studies, more than 63 percent of women in Bangladesh have experienced some form of online violence.
  
Women aged between 18 and 30 account for nearly 74 percent of victims. 
 
Facebook remains the primary platform for harassment, accounting for 47.60 percent of incidents, followed by Messenger at 35.37 percent.
  
Common forms of cybercrime include sexual harassment, fake profiles, hacking, doxing, blackmail and the non-consensual sharing of personal photos and videos. 
 
Bangladesh Police’s “Cyber Support for Women” unit received more than 60,000 complaints from women between as of early 2026 sincce 2020, addressing a surge in AI-generated deepfakes, blackmail, and bullying. While 63-89 percent of women in Bangladesh face online harassment, most cases remain underreported due to social stigma. 
 
However, experts believe the actual number of victims is far higher, as only around 15 percent of women formally report cybercrimes due to fear of social stigma and harassment.
  
A Growing Threat for Children 
 
Children are also becoming increasingly vulnerable in digital spaces. 
 
Cybersecurity analysts say online gaming platforms, social media apps and messaging services are being used by predators to target minors through cyber grooming, bullying and exploitation. 
 
Many children unknowingly share personal information or images with strangers online, exposing them to blackmail and psychological abuse. 
 
In several reported cases, school-going children stopped attending classes after manipulated or fake images were circulated on social media. 
 
Case Study: From Online Relationship to Blackmail 
 
A 22-year-old private university student in Dhaka, identified by the pseudonym “Nila,” became a victim of cyber blackmail after sharing personal photos with a man she met through social media. 
 
After their relationship ended, the accused allegedly threatened to leak the photos unless she paid money. 
 
“At first, I was terrified. He threatened to send the photos to my family and friends. I became mentally devastated and isolated myself for months,” Nila said. 
 
She later filed a complaint with the cybercrime unit of the police, which helped identify the suspect. 
 
Although legal action was initiated, Nila said the psychological trauma still affects her daily life. 
 
Expert Opinion 
 
Cybersecurity experts say the lack of digital literacy and online awareness is making women and children more vulnerable. 
 
Mohammad Shariat Ullah, an ICT expert, said cybercrime has now evolved into a major social security challenge.
  
“Technology-facilitated violence against women is no longer just an online issue; it has real-life social and psychological consequences. Digital safety education must begin at the family and school levels,” he said. 
 
He added that many victims remain silent due to social pressure, allowing offenders to continue such crimes with impunity. 
 
Lawyer’s Opinion 
 
Supreme Court lawyer Abdur Rashid Chowdhury said Bangladesh has legal provisions to address cyber harassment under cyber and digital security laws, but implementation remains a challenge. 
 
“Victims, especially women, often hesitate to go to police stations because of fear, shame and social judgment. Complaint mechanisms need to be more accessible, confidential and victim-friendly,” he said.
  
He also stressed the importance of faster investigations and stronger legal action against offenders involved in image-based abuse and cyber extortion. 
 
Police Response 
 
Bangladesh Police launched the “Cyber Support for Women” initiative to provide emergency assistance and legal support to female victims of online harassment. 
 
Police officials say the unit has successfully prevented numerous cases of blackmail, account hacking and the spread of explicit content through rapid intervention. 
 
Authorities are also increasing awareness campaigns on cyber safety, particularly among students and young internet users.
  
Safety Recommendations 
 
Experts have recommended a series of precautionary measures to reduce cyber risks for women and children, including strengthening privacy settings on social media accounts.
  
They also advised users to avoid suspicious links and unknown friend requests, and refrain from sharing personal photos or sensitive information online. 
 
In addition, experts stressed the importance of monitoring children’s online activities and reporting incidents of cyber harassment immediately. 
 
They further emphasized expanding digital safety education in schools and colleges to raise awareness among young internet users. 
 
Experts warn that cyber violence is rapidly emerging as one of the most serious threats in Bangladesh’s digital landscape.
  
They cautioned that without stronger public awareness, effective legal enforcement and coordinated efforts from families, educational institutions and law enforcement agencies, online abuse targeting women and children could escalate into a major social crisis in the coming years.