BNNRC Connects Local Fight Against Cyber Violence to Global Digital Governance

The Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) is simultaneously tackling Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) at the grassroots level in Bangladesh and advocating for stronger global digital cooperation at the United Nations, underscoring its dual commitment to a safer, more inclusive digital future.

Launch of Nationwide Anti-TFGBV Campaign

Marking the UN International Day of Rural Women on October 15, 2025, the BNNRC launched a 15-day nationwide campaign to combat TFGBV in rural communities. Running until October 30, the initiative aims to boost awareness, resilience, and access to essential support services for at-risk groups, including women, adolescent girls, and youth.

• Scope: The campaign involves a multi-stakeholder collective of civil society, community media (including nine community radio stations), academia, and local leadership across 15 districts.
• Activities: Events include local gatherings, extensive radio and social media outreach, and online discussions.
• Recognition: The BNNRC will honor 180 individuals from the 15 districts for their diverse contributions to women’s empowerment and violence prevention in fields such as digital development, journalism, legal aid, and community health.
• Funding: The initiative is implemented under the “Strengthening Resilience Against TFGBV and Promoting Digital Development” project, with support from the Embassy of Switzerland and Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

Call for Stronger WSIS Framework at UN Consultation

Just one day prior to the campaign launch, BNNRC Chief Executive Officer AHM Bazlur Rahman delivered a statement at the Informal Interactive WSIS Stakeholder Consultation on the review of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20) outcomes, organized by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA).

Representing the BNNRC, the Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum (BIGF), and the Pact for the Future – Bangladesh CSOs Initiative, Mr. Rahman urged UN member states to retain the core commitments of the WSIS process in the Outcome Document.

• Key Demand: The statement called for a strengthened, continuous, and well-resourced WSIS and IGF framework with sustainable funding, emphasizing the urgent need for localization of WSIS implementation at the national level.
• Advocacy Focus: This high-level engagement aligns BNNRC’s national efforts against cyber violence with global objectives for an inclusive, rights-based, and people-centered information society, directly supporting the push for advancing the WSIS Action Lines (C1–C11) and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Recognition: The BNNRC highlighted its consistent international recognition, including being a WSIS Prize Winner in 2016 and a WSIS Champion in multiple years, including 2025, for its work in digital transformation and information integrity.