Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world—and one of the most digitally active. With millions of people on Facebook and TikTok, the country’s online energy is undeniable. Technology acts as an amplifier, magnifying voices, ideas, and influence. Digital Bangladesh holds immense promise—but that same amplification has a darker side.
A deep gendered digital divide, low digital literacy, and weak regulation have created an online environment where abuse, misinformation, and intimidation thrive. For women and women-identifying people, the internet can be both a space of opportunity and a site of harm.
This podcast explores how they navigate that reality. We listen to their experiences of being visible online, of being targeted, and of carving out space despite the risks. By shining a light on Bangladesh’s digital landscape, we aim to confront toxicity, challenge silence, and highlight the creativity, resilience, and talent that persist in spite of it.
In our pilot episode, we move through different corners of the netscape—Facebook groups, fact-checking platforms, TikTok—speaking directly with women about what it means to exist online today. This is only the beginning. There are many more paths to follow, and we continue the journey armoured with thick skin and strengthened by sisterhood.
The reports we used in this research include works by Dismisslab, The Dissent, and The Tech Global Institute
Hosted and edited by Shaveena Anam and Katerina Don. Featuring interviews with Afia Jahin, Kashfia Chowdhury, Usraat Fahmida, Monoshita Ayruani, Maisha Mahjabeen Priooty, Bushra Apa, Minhaj Aman, Tamara Yesmin Toma. Research by Shaveena Anam, Katerina Don, Afia Jahin, Kashfia Chowdhury, Usraat Fahmidah, Shamsad Navia Novelly. Special thanks to our supporters Saiq’a S. Chowdhury, Barrister Priya Ahsan, Dr. Nova Ahmed. Sound editing by Anamul Hasan Raju. Produced by Sister Library with the support of Goethe-Institut Bangladesh and HerStory Foundation.
Moderated by Afia Jahin, communications officer at Tech Global Institute, a policy lab working to amplify digital rights voices in the Global South.
Dr Nova Ahmed, a computer scientist, professor at North South University, and a pioneer working at the intersection of technology, safety, and inclusion. Her work spans sensor-based solutions to prevent sexual harassment, feminist HCI, and community-driven digital safety initiatives. She is also deeply engaged in youth leadership, science education, and feminist networks in South Asia.
Tamara Yesmin Toma, Research Coordinator at Dismislab and a leading voice on digital rights, disinformation, gendered tech abuse, and platform accountability. Her work focuses on understanding tech-based gender based? violence and strengthening digital literacy across the country.
Barrister Priya Ahsan, a Supreme Court Advocate and legal expert whose work spans constitutional law, freedom of expression, online speech, CSAM, data protection, gender discrimination, and the rights of vulnerable communities. She has advised the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression on the Cyber Shurokkha Ordinance and is an advisor at Cyber Support for Women and Children.
Maisha Mahjabeen Priooty, a gender studies major, content creator, and activist. Through her platform @priooty.talks, she brings feminist theory to wider audiences and speaks openly about digital safety, representation, and the lived reality of being a young woman online in Bangladesh.
