Law-&-Order
Cyberbullying: What to Do If Someone is Harassing You Online
Cyberbullying has emerged as a widespread concern in the contemporary digital era, as harassment across diverse online platforms has become increasingly frequent. This type of bullying poses significant threats to the mental health and overall well-being of individuals. This underscores the importance of addressing this issue promptly and effectively.
What is Cyberbullying or Cyber Harassment?
Cyberbullying, also known as cyber harassment, refers to the use of digital communication tools such as social media platforms, messaging apps, or online forums to intimidate, threaten, or harass individuals. This form of bullying encompasses various actions, including sending hurtful messages, spreading rumours, sharing embarrassing photos or videos without consent, and creating fake accounts to impersonate and harass someone.
Cyberbullying can occur anonymously, making it difficult to identify perpetrators. Also, it can have profound and lasting effects on the mental and emotional well-being of victims.
Read more: '80% of cyberbullying victims are women'
Types of Cyberbullying
Harassment
Harassment entails sending mean or threatening messages to someone online. It can be done through text messages, emails, social media posts, or online chat rooms.
Exclusion
Exclusion involves intentionally leaving someone out of an online group or activity. For instance, a cyberbully might create a social media group and exclude their target.
Outing and Doxxing
Doxxing includes sharing someone's private information online without their consent. For example, their home address, phone number, or embarrassing photos.
Read more: Online bullying serious problem for 85% of Bangladesh youths: Survey
Impersonation
Impersonation means creating a fake online profile and pretending to be someone else. The cyberbully can then use this fake profile to send mean messages or damage the victim's reputation.
Trickery
Trickery mainly is deceiving someone into sharing personal information or embarrassing photos. For example, a cyberbully might create a fake survey to obtain personal details.
Cyberstalking
This involves using technology to harass, intimidate, or threaten someone. This includes sending threatening messages or tracking the victim's online activity.
Read more: Why are Suicide Rates Higher Among Men?
Flaming
Flaming is described as posting angry or insulting messages on someone's social media page or online forum.
Trolling
Trolling entails posting inflammatory or off-topic messages in an online forum to upset other users.
Fraping
A frape happens when someone changes another person’s information on social media without them knowing or giving permission.
Read more: How to Protect Your Child from Sexual Abuse?
Impacts of Cyber Harassment
Emotional Distress
Cyberbullying can lead to profound emotional turmoil, including feelings of sadness, humiliation, and anger. Victims often experience heightened anxiety, constantly anticipating the next hurtful encounter, which undermines their sense of safety and well-being.
Psychological Effects
Research shows a significant correlation between cyberbullying and psychological challenges. Victims of cyberbullying frequently endure elevated levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation.
The relentless influx of derogatory messages and harassment often fosters sentiments of powerlessness and diminished self-worth. Also, the incessant negativity and pressure can prove overwhelming for those targeted.
Read more: Students with Depression: Tips for Parents and Educators
Social Isolation and Self-Esteem Damage
Cyberbullying can cause individuals to retreat from both online and offline social interactions, fearing additional harassment or scrutiny from their peers. This can foster feelings of isolation and solitude. Additionally, cyberbullying can profoundly impact an individual's self-esteem, as the recurrent attacks can engender feelings of worthlessness and insecurity.
Academic Consequences
The emotional distress caused by cyberbullying can impact victims' ability to concentrate on their studies and perform academically. Consequently, this can lead to a decline in grades and overall academic performance of the bullied person.
Physical Health Issues
The prolonged stress and anxiety caused by cyberbullying can manifest in physical health problems such as headaches, insomnia, and gastrointestinal issues. Victims may also experience changes in appetite and energy levels.
Read more: Digital Detox: Unplugging for Stress Relief and Mental Wellbeing
Long-term Effects
The effects of cyberbullying can extend beyond the immediate harassment, affecting victims' long-term mental health and well-being. Some individuals may carry the trauma of cyberbullying into adulthood, impacting their relationships and overall quality of life.
Bystander Effects
Observing cyberbullying can exacerbate mental health issues and foster an atmosphere of apprehension and vulnerability. It can instil fear of becoming a target, erode trust in online interactions and impact individuals' well-being.
What to do If You Experience Cyberbullying in Bangladesh
Stay Calm
It is essential to maintain composure and refrain from impulsive reactions to harassment. Responding to the bully may exacerbate the situation, as it gratifies their desire for a reaction. So, try to resist the temptation to engage with their messages or posts.
Read more: Helicopter Parenting: Signs, Pros, Cons and How to Change
Document Evidence
It is important to document instances of cyberbullying, whether through screenshots of messages or posts or by noting down dates and times. This evidence will prove invaluable should you need to report the bullying at a later stage.
Reach Out for Support
It is highly recommended to discuss your experiences with a reliable friend, family member, another trusted adult, or mental health professional. They can provide valuable support and advice on navigating through the situation effectively.
Block the Bully
You may utilise privacy settings to block the person responsible for the harassment from reaching out to you further. Most social media platforms and messaging apps offer the option to block individuals. It can effectively prevent any further contact with them.
Read more: Workplace stress affecting women in Bangladesh needs attention
Report the Abuse to the Platform
Utilising the available reporting tools to report instances of cyberbullying is crucial. Most social media platforms and online forums provide mechanisms for reporting abusive behaviour. Report the cyberbullying to the relevant website or platform, as they typically have anti-bullying policies and may take disciplinary action against the perpetrator, such as suspending their account.
Seek Legal Advice
In instances of severe cyberbullying, it is advisable to seek advice from a legal professional. The available remedies for cyberbullying may vary depending on individual circumstances. Victims are advised to seek legal counsel from a lawyer knowledgeable about cyberbullying and relevant laws for guidance.
File a Report
Victims of cyberbullying have the option to file a criminal complaint with the police under the Cyber Security Act of 2023. This act criminalises cyberbullying and imposes imprisonment and/or fines on offenders found guilty.
Read more: Parliament passes Cyber Security Bill 2023
Cyber Crime Help Desk
Bangladesh Police operates a Cyber Crime Help Desk for women (https://www.police.gov.bd/en/police_cyber_support_for_women) where victims can report incidents of cyberbullying and seek assistance. Evidence and proof (links, screenshots, etc) of cyberbullying can be forwarded via email to [email protected]
Also, victims can lodge complaints through multiple channels, including the dedicated hotlines at the Police Headquarters, the nearest police station or the official Facebook page of "Cyber Police Centre, CID, Bangladesh Police."
Alternative Reporting
Cybercrime victims also have the option to file complaints with the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) by calling their hotlines or emailing [email protected].
Read more: Sibling Bullying and Abuse: Reasons, Types, Signs and Prevention
BTRC pledges to take action within 24 hours, with perpetrators brought to justice within 3 days of filing the complaint. The government has also introduced a cyber-crime helpline at +88-02-55007183 for victims to report their complaints.
Consider Civil Suit
Victims can pursue a civil suit for damages against the perpetrator, seeking compensation for emotional distress and reputation damage caused by cyberbullying. In cases of criminal intimidation, the perpetrator may be liable under the Penal Code 1860.
Seek Restraining Orders
Although the term "restraining order" is not specifically defined in Bangladesh’s law, victims can apply under relevant sections before a competent executive magistrate to prohibit a perpetrator from making unlawful contact.
Read more: Should You See a Therapist? 8 Surefire Signs You Need Help
Take Care of Yourself
The emotional strain of cyberbullying can impact your mental well-being. You should prioritise self-care by reaching out to loved ones, participating in activities that bring you joy, and seeking professional assistance if necessary. Concentrate on self-nurturing activities to alleviate stress during this demanding period.
Verdict
Cyber harassment is a serious issue that can have profound consequences on individuals' lives. It is crucial to recognise the signs of cyberbullying, take proactive measures to protect oneself and seek support if victimised. By working together to combat cyberbullying, we can create safer and more inclusive online communities.
Read more: Bullying in School: How to Protect Children and Deal with the Issue
Drive against illegal VoIP to continue: Palak
Anyone involved in illegal activities using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) facility will not be spared and the drive against them will continue, State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak declared on Sunday.
Such activities will not be tolerated under any circumstances, he added.
The state minister made the remarks while inspecting a large quantity of seized VoIP equipment, including around 17,000 illegal SIM cards, used in illegal VoIP operations, during a drive in Tongi, Gazipur on Sunday.
The operation is being conducted and will continue under the initiative of BTRC as the telecom sector regulator, in collaboration with the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre, or NTMC, which is legally mandated to monitor, collect and record communications over telco lines as part of intelligence gathering, and paramilitary force RAB.
RAB arrests 8 teen gang members in Pabna
Members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), in a drive last night, arrested eight members of a teen gang from the Station Road area of Pabna’s Ishwardi municipality.
Besides Rohan Hossain, 21, son of Abdur Rahim, the arrestees are all under 18 years of age. All of them are from several areas of the municipality.
Major Ehteshamul Haque Khan, company commander of RAB-12 in Pabna, in a media release on Sunday morning said that they conducted drive in the Station Road area on Saturday night after they received complaints of several crimes including theft, robbery, mugging and drug peddling by the arrestees.
A total of six mobile phone sets were seized from their possession during the drive, the media release said.
The arrestees were handed over to Ishwardi Police Station for legal action in this regard.
Indian policeman arrested for intruding into Bangladesh: BGB
Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) arrested an Indian policeman with some US and Indian currencies as he intruded into Bangladesh territory through Maheshpur border of Jhenaidah district on Friday.
The arrestee is identified as PV John Silveraraj, a police member of Tamil Nadu State of India. His professional identity card was also recovered from him.
8 gamblers held in Jashore
HM Salah Uddin Chowdhury, commander of the BGB-58 battalion, said they arrested the Indian policeman while he was entering Bangladesh through the Maheshpur border on Friday afternoon.
During the preliminary interrogation, the arrestee informed them that he had entered Bangladesh to go to Thailand from the country, he said.
Abontika’s death: Probe committee members visit her Cumilla residence, talk to mother
On-duty photo of the arrestee in the Tamil Nadu State was found on his mobile phone, he said, adding that they also recovered US $1150 dollars and 4000 Indian rupees from his possession during the arrest.
Maheshpur police station Officer-in-Charge (OC-Investigation) Ismail Hossain said a case was filed on charge of intrusion into Bangladesh.
Home Minister bats for tech-based police force to tackle cybercrimes
Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on Saturday said building a technology-based police force is the need of the hour to face challenges as new technologies are constantly being developed.
He said this while addressing the opening ceremony of the first batch of ‘Post Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security Course’ in the conference room of Police Staff College in Dhaka, as the chief guest.
The minister said the government has been working to build a skilled police force to face crimes in the country.
“The Post Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security Course of Police Staff College will play a very important role in building smart police as directed by the Honourable Prime Minister to build 'Sonar Bangla' as dreamt by Bangabandhu,” he said.
The minister hoped that the police officers completing the course will play a pivotal role in curbing cybercrimes. Police officers of several ranks are participating in the 10-month course.
Chaired by Police Staff College Rector and also additional inspector general of police Mallick Fakhrul Islam and, Public Security Division’s Senior Secretary Md Mostafizur Rahman and IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun were present as special guests at the event.
Additional IGP (admin) Md Kamrul Ahsan, other additional IGPs, faculties of the police staff college, authorities concerned of National University and trainee police officials attended the function.
8 gamblers held in Jashore
Police arrested eight gamblers along with Tk 89,000 from Sharsha upazila of Jashore district on Friday.
The arrestees are Habibur Rahman alias Bidyut Member, 52, Noor Islam, 50, Mizanur Rahman, 59, Altaf Hossain, 45, A Aziz, 52, Mohiuddin Sardar, 42, Zahidul Hossain, 49, and Iqbal Hossain, 45.
9 operatives inc. mastermind of train tickets black market arrested: RAB
Sheikh Moniruzzaman, officer-in-charge of Sharsha Police Station, said on secret information, a team of police arrested nine gamblers from Navaran Hospital Mor area this noon.
At that time, the law enforcers seized Tk 89,000 from their possession.
Appellate Division orders hassle-free return of 3 Transcom Group officials and surrender within 72 hours
A case was filed in Sharsha police station in this regard.
9 operatives inc. mastermind of train tickets black market arrested: RAB
Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested nine operatives of an organized gang involved with train tickets black market from several areas of Dhaka on Thursday night.
The arrestees are Dali Syndicate’s mastermind Md Mizan Dali, 48, his cohorts Md Sohel Dali, 30, Md Suman, 39, Md Jahangir Alam, 49, Md Shahjahan Hossain, 42, Md Russell, 24, Md Joynal Abedin, 46, Md Sabur Hawlader, 40, and Newton Biswas, 40.
Commander Khandakar Al Moin, director (law and media wing) of the RAB, revealed this information at a press conference at the media centre of the elite force in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar on Friday noon.
Several teams of the RAB-3 conducted drives in Dhaka’s Sabujbagh and Kamlapur areas after they received allegations of black market of train tickets in collaboration with online ticket seller organization Shohoz.com, he said.
A huge number of train tickets of several parts of the country, eight mobile phone sets, one NID, one driving license, and Tk 11, 422 in cash were recovered from the arrestees during the drives, the RAB officer said.
Of the arrestees, server operator of Shohoz.com’s Kamalapur rail station Newton Biswas, station representative Sabur Hawlader and absconding accused Abdul Mottalib, Ashiqur Rahman and others were involved with the black market, he said.
Arrestee Mizan was the mastermind of all syndicates involved with black market of train tickets and he used to maintain a good relationship with the Shohoj.com office and others involved with the Bangladesh Railways (BR), Commander Moin said.
Operator Newton used to provide Mizan with all information about train schedules and tickets, he said.
Legal actions were taken against the arrestees in this regard, he added.
Appellate Division orders hassle-free return of 3 Transcom Group officials and surrender within 72 hours
The Appellate Division has directed to ensure the hassle-free return of three top officials of embattled Transcom Group from abroad and their surrender to the court within 72 hours.
The chamber judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court Justice M Enayetur Rahim passed the order following a petition filed by Shahzreh Huq challenging a High Court directive.
The three are Transcom Group Chairperson Shahnaz Rahman, its Chief Executive Officer Simeen Rahman and Head of Strategy & Transformation Zaraif Ayaat Hossain.
Earlier on February 22, Shahzreh Huq, younger daughter of Transcom Group's late chairman Latifur Rahman and Shahnaz Raan, filed three cases against eight officials with Gulshan Police Station over alleged embezzlement, occupying of property, and illegal transfer of shares of the company.
According to the case documents, Simeen and her accomplices tried to illegally acquire around Tk10,000 crore worth of property of her father Latifur Rahman through false deeds of settlements.
Shahzreh alleged that her father left around Tk100 crore in FDRs across multiple banks before his death.
She accuses her mother Shahnaz Rahman and sister Simeen Rahman of unevenly distributing the FDRs.
The rest are accused of assisting in embezzling the funds.
In one of the cases, the plaintiff mentioned that her elder sister Simeen Rahman took 23,600 shares of Transcom Limited in her name through forgery to deprive her and her brother Arshad Waliur Rahman which she came to know after the death of her father.
The Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) arrested five of them including two directors, from different places in Dhaka.
They were Md Fakhruzzaman Bhuiyan, serving as the executive director for Corporate Affairs and Law at the Transcom Group; Kamrul Hasan and Abdullah Al Mamun, both directors in Corporate Finance; Mohammed Mossadeq, the assistant company secretary, and Abu Yusuf Md Siddik, manager (company secretary).
Later, a Dhaka court granted bail to them on February 23 in these cases.
However, Shahnaz, Simeen and Zaraif evaded arrest and went abroad after the cases.
The High Court directed Shahnaz, Simeen and Zaraif to return from abroad and surrender before the lower court in 60 days.
The HC had ordered immigration authorities and law enforcement agencies not to harass or arrest them in 60 days.
Shahzreh Huq, later, filed a petition challenging the High Court directive.
Senior lawyer Barrister Tanjib ul Alam and Barrister Mustafizur Rahman Khan stood for the petitioner while senior lawyers Muhammad Yusuf Hossain Humayun, Md Momtaz Uddin Fakir, Nurul Islam Sujan, Mahbub Ali, Mohammad Sayed Ahmed Raza and Shah Monjurul Hoque stood for Shahnaz, Simeen and Zaraif during hearing.
Abontika’s death: Probe committee members visit her Cumilla residence, talk to mother
The five-member committee formed by Jagannath University (JnU) authority to investigate the death of their student Fairuz Abontika visited her village home in Cumilla and talked to her mother Tahmina Shabnam on Friday.
The probe committee headed by its Convenor Prof Md Jakir Hossain came to Abontika’s house in Shasangachha area of Cumilla city on Friday morning and talked to her mother for around two and half hours.
The committee included member secretary and JnU deputy registrar Ranjan Kumar, members Prof Dr Abul Hossain, Prof Mohammad Masud Billah and Dr Johar Ahmed.
Later, the committee also went to Cumilla’s Kotwali Model police station and talked to the investigation officer of the case filed by Abontika's mother on charge of torturing her to death.
The committee also talked to reporters about the progress of the investigation into the suicide of Abontika on March 15 in her Cumilla residence.
Convenor Prof Jakir said, “We are carrying out investigation. We learned a lot from Abontika’s mother after coming to the house of Abontika. We again will go to police, and take statements from police. Besides, we'll take statements from several sources.”
Abontika’s mother said, “I told everything to the probe committee that came from Dhaka. They heard my words and wrote down those.”
Abontika, a student of the 2017-18 academic year of the JnU Law Department, hanged herself to death at her Cumilla residence after accusing her classmate Amman and relieved assistant proctor Din Islam in a Facebook post around 10 pm on Friday.
In the Facebook post before committing suicide, Abantika said that Amman Siddique and Din Islam would be responsible for her suicide.
Hours after death of Abontika by suicide, massive protest broke out and continued till Saturday morning, demanding justice for the student.
In the face of student movement, the university authorities were compelled to relieve the assistant proctor and suspend the student to assuage the movement.
Besides, the university administration formed a four-member probe committee.
On March 17, members of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested the teacher and student from Dhaka on Saturday night.
On March 18, a Cumilla court placed Jagannath University’s suspended student Raihan Siddique Amman and teacher Deen Islam on a two and one- day remand respectively in a case filed over the death of JnU student Fairuz Abontika.
After expiring the remand period, the Cumilla court sent them to jail and since then they have been in jail.
Swechasebak League leader murdered over supremacy in Jashore Sadar
A local leader of the ruling Awami League’s voluntary organisation Swechasebak League was allegedly hacked to death by his rivals over establishing supremacy and political conflict in Sadar upazila of Jashore on Thursday night.
The deceased Jillur Rahman Shimul was general secretary of Churamonkati union unit of the Swechasebak League and son of former union parishad member Mokleshur Rahman.
He was also serving as guardian member of Aambouttala High School Managing Committee.
Locals said Shimul had an altercation with his rivals Bulbul, Billal, Nayeem, Sohrab and others for not having a headlight of his motorbike at night two days back. Later the opponents threatened him to take revenge.
Some miscreants obstructed his way when he was walking alone in Govila village around 8:15 pm and stabbed him with sharp weapons, leaving him critically injured.
Hearing screams, locals rushed to the spot and took him to 250-bed General Hospital where physicians declared him dead, they said.
Dr Saifur Rahman, medical officer of the hospital, said excessive bleeding might be the cause of the death.
Echoing locals, the victim’s wife Nasima Khatun also held Bulbul, Nayeem and others responsible for the killing.
Kotwali police station Officer-in-Charge Abudur Razzak said, “It is now impossible to say anything why the killing occurred.”
Several teams of police were engaged in identifying the accused involved with the murder, he said.