A call was made for concerted efforts to prevent gender-based violence arising from the misuse of technology at a press briefing held at the Pirojpur Press Club auditorium on Wednesday morning.

Speakers at the briefing said the role of law enforcement agencies alone is not sufficient to prevent technology-facilitated gender-based violence. They stressed the need for coordinated action involving the government, non-governmental organisations, the media, educational institutions, guardians and conscious citizens to ensure prevention, mitigation and broad participation.

The event was moderated by NGO activist Ziaul Ahsan, with Pirojpur Additional Superintendent of Police (crime and operations) Md Ziaur Rahman attending as chief guest. Senior journalist and freedom fighter MA Rabbani Firoz was present as special guest.

Among others, Pirojpur Press Club Vice President Imam Hossain Masud, Vice President Md Khelafat Hossain Khosru, Advocate Wahid Hasan Babu, journalist Nine Talukder and Bhandaria upazila president of the National Journalist Association HM Jewel also spoke at the briefing.

The speakers said the rapid spread of digital technology has led to an increase in online violence against women and girls, including harassment, blackmail, cyberbullying and defamation, which have serious consequences for victims' mental health and social security. They emphasised the importance of raising public awareness on digital safety, ensuring accessible complaint mechanisms for victims, providing prompt legal assistance and taking effective action against perpetrators.

At the event, 14 women representatives were honoured for their contributions in various fields. A total of 46 participants, including conscious citizens at the district and upazila levels, academics and representatives of social organisations, attended the briefing.

TBS / Bangladesh