The government has reaffirmed its commitment to a policy of 'Zero Tolerance to Gender-Based and Online Violence, Hate, and Bullying', identifying digital safety as a priority as women face increasing online threats amid the country's rapid digitalisation. The National Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 (FY27) and the Gender Budget Report FY27 identify digital safety as a critical new vulnerability for women, saying they face disproportionate exposure to online harassment, cyberbullying, privacy violations, hate speech and other forms of digital violence that affect their mental well-being and significantly limit their participation in online spaces. The reports also identify cyberbullying as a persistent challenge in secondary and higher education, saying it places additional psychological stress on female students and contributes to higher dropout rates.
As part of its strategic commitment to women's empowerment, the government has adopted a 'zero tolerance' stance toward gender-based and online violence. Proposed actions include enacting and enforcing strict laws against cyber violence and sexual harassment, ensuring fast and fair investigation and prosecution of cyber offenders, and establishing specialised institutional mechanisms, including a separate intelligence unit and a cybercrime tracking system, to reduce violence and oppression against women.
The government also plans nationwide awareness campaigns through media and religious institutions to help prevent digital violence. The ICT Division is prioritising women-friendly cybersecurity training and incorporating digital safety into the education system to equip students with data security skills. The FY27 budget allocated Tk 167.6 crore for the programme area titled 'Ensure cyber security and reduce violence and oppression against women'.
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, in his budget speech, reaffirmed the government's commitment to women's safety and dignity. 'Ensuring women and child-friendly workplaces in building an inclusive and discrimination-free labour market is one of our government's top priorities. To that end, a 'zero tolerance' policy will be enforced against any form of violence or sexual harassment toward women workers,' he said.
Referring to the Election Manifesto, the finance minister said, 'The Manifesto further emphasizes... ending gender-based violence and expanding economic opportunities for women. These initiatives are expected to ensure that no woman is left behind in the country's journey toward prosperity.' He also said, 'Gender Budgeting has emerged as an important policy instrument to ensure that public resources are allocated and utilized in a manner that addresses the diverse needs and priorities of women and men....[to build] an inclusive, equitable and prosperous society.' Meanwhile, the cabinet committee formed to review and finalise the draft of the 'Cyber Security (Amendment) Act, 2026' held meeting on July 15 at the conference room of the Posts and Telecommunications Division at the Secretariat. The meeting discussed necessary amendments and recommendations aimed at addressing the rapid changes in information technology, strengthening cyber security, protecting citizens' rights and ensuring a secure environment for digital services. It also passed various recommendations to make the draft law more up-to-date, effective and practical.
