The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Stakeholders’ Dialogue and Preparatory Workshop on Ending Digital Violence Against Women, held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon, brought together policymakers, parliamentarians and civil society leaders to address the rapidly growing threat of AI-enabled harassment, abuse and exploitation of women and children.
The session was moderated by Foreign Secretary Ambassador Asad Alam Siam, with remarks from Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ms. Shama Obaed Islam, MP; Hon’ble State Minister for Social Welfare Ms. Farzana Sharmin Putul, MP; Hon’ble Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Md. Asaduzzaman, MP; Barrister Jahrat Adib Chowdhury, MP; and Ms. Sanjida Islam Tulee, MP.
Speaking at the dialogue, Vidiya Amrit Khan, Vice President, BGMEA, stressed that addressing digital and AI-facilitated violence must begin with a broader change in society, culture and mindset towards women. She highlighted the silence surrounding domestic and child sexual abuse, the social taboos that prevent survivors from seeking help, and the urgent need for stronger implementation of existing laws.
She called for educating children from an early age to respect women and recognise their value, alongside stronger enforcement, AI safeguards and age-appropriate regulation of children’s access to social media. She further emphasised that, as a Muslim woman, she believes Islam unequivocally upholds the dignity, rights and respect of women.
The meeting was part of Bangladesh government’s work to establish the Dhaka Dialogue, a government-led platform introduced at the 10th Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa on 20 April 2026.
