Naima Onamika
Oniket Research Group
Nowadays, we are all familiar with the term ‘cybercrime’. But do we truly comprehend the immense harm victims suffer in these incidents, and how the horror of such an event can drive a family to the brink of ruin? At the same time, what legal recourse does a victim have in such circumstances? How and to what extent can a victim obtain legal assistance, and how much do ordinary people know about this? These questions urgently come to the fore. I would like to discuss my views on the whole matter – a private chat, a photograph, or a private moment between two people!
That may be so! But the problem arises when, in the age of social media, these things are no longer private. Within seconds, through screenshots, screen recordings or sharing, personal information is spread to thousands of people. This leads to psychological distress, social humiliation and, in many cases, serious offences such as blackmail.
In this context, the Government of Bangladesh has repealed the previous Cyber Security Act and enacted the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025. The new law takes a tough stance against digital harassment, the distribution of private photos or videos, blackmail and the so-called ‘revenge porn’.
Let us first understand what the law states.
According to Section 25 of the ordinance, it is an offence for any person to publish, or threaten to publish, personal photographs, videos, or digital content of another for the purpose of blackmail, sexual harassment, or revenge. In a typical case, the offence carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment or a fine of 1 million taka. However, if the victim is a woman or a child under the age of 18, the penalty increases to five years’ imprisonment or a fine of 2 million taka.
Furthermore, the new law also criminalises ‘sextortion’ The term has also been explicitly included, where personal photos or videos are used to extort money, relationships, or other favours by threatening to share them. Legal experts say this is an important legal advance, keeping pace with the changing nature of digital crime.
But the problem is not just technological; although the law has become stricter, the question remains: has the public’s mindset changed? In Bangladesh, victims are still, in most cases, blamed for the leakage of private photos or chats. Comments such as, ‘Why did she send the pictures?’ or ‘Why did she get into that kind of relationship?’ further traumatise the victims.
According to experts, this ‘victim-blaming practice’ emboldens perpetrators and, as a result, many victims are reluctant to even file a police report for fear of social stigma.
Another worrying aspect is that this crime is alarmingly prevalent among young people. The widespread use of smartphones and social media has changed the way young people communicate. However, awareness of digital safety has not kept pace with this change.
Various studies on online safety have shown that many women using social media in Bangladesh have been victims of online harassment in one way or another. In particular, the leaking of private photos, the creation of fake IDs, online blackmail and threats have now reached alarming proportions.
Analysts say that although opportunities to use technology have increased, digital ethics have not been developed. There are also challenges in law enforcement. I would say that in the case of cybercrime, accepting complaints, the investigation process and swift justice remain major challenges. But why?
The reasons are:
· Victims are unaware of the legal process.
· They cannot preserve evidence.
· Law enforcement agencies have limited digital capabilities.
· Many lose interest in the lengthy judicial process.
· Consequently, even with strict laws, ensuring real protection becomes difficult.
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So, where is the effective solution?Experts say that this crisis cannot be tackled by law alone. What is needed:
· Digital ethics education in schools and colleges.
· Open discussions about online safety within the family.
· Prompt legal assistance.
· Victim-friendly complaint mechanisms. · Increased social awareness.
Digital dignity has now become a fundamental right. Currently, a person’s personal data, private communications, and digital presence are seen as part of their personal and social dignity. The Cyber Security Ordinance 2025 has recognised this reality. However, the effectiveness of the law will depend on how quickly society can move away from the culture of victim-blaming.
For in the digital age, protecting personal privacy is not merely a legal question; it is now a matter of safeguarding human dignity.
