Harassment
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.
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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
‘Harassment in the name of crackdown’: Restaurant owners allege disarray in fire incident response
Following the devastating fire incident at the Green Cozy Cottage building on Bailey Road that killed 46 people and injured several others, authorities in Dhaka have launched a crackdown on restaurants lacking proper fire safety measures. Restaurant owners, however, are critical of the approach.
The Restaurant Owners Association has labelled these operations as “harassment” and “for show”, lacking in coordination.
The operations, according to the association, seem to target the restaurant industry unfairly, calling for a more integrated approach to address safety violations.
Professor Dr. Adil Muhammad Khan, President of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners, criticized the sporadic nature of these operations, arguing for regular and coordinated efforts. He highlighted the injustice in arresting restaurant workers for building faults, suggesting that the responsibility lies with RAJUK (the development authority) officials and building owners before considering the tenants such as restaurant operators.
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Imran Hasan, General Secretary of the Restaurant Owners Association, expressed the sector's frustrations over the lack of support from any ministry despite repeated pleas. He called for a meeting with the Prime Minister, signaling their readiness to shut down operations if found culpable.
However, he questioned the logic behind blanket closures, arguing for a constructive resolution. Around 200 restaurants in Dhaka have been closed, he said, raising concerns about the crackdown.
Currently, Bangladesh houses approximately 481,000 restaurants, providing employment for 30 lakh people, the general secretary of Restaurant Owners Association said.
He also underlined the struggles with bureaucratic red tape and the desperation for constructive dialogue and solutions. Hasan called for the Prime Minister's intervention, reflecting the dire situation of entrepreneurs and workers within the industry, whose livelihoods are at stake.
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The opposition's Chief Whip, Mujibul Haque Chunnu, has also alleged lack of coordination in the drives against risky and unauthorized buildings operating amid fire risk.
“A magistrate went and destroyed a shop. Another goes and says stop. The authorities need to take a concerted, slow and steady approach in conducting fire safety drives,” he said while participating in an unscheduled discussion in the Parliament last Tuesday.
RAJUK's Chairman, Anisur Rahman Mia, meanwhile has announced plans to list at-risk buildings, intending to mark them clearly and disconnect utilities in coordination with service providers, emphasizing the need for collaboration among various agencies for effective regulation.
This situation sheds light on the complexities of urban safety, regulatory enforcement, and the livelihoods dependent on sectors like dining, calling for balanced, fair, and coordinated efforts to ensure public safety without unjustly jeopardizing businesses and jobs.
Read more: Why Fire Safety Audit is Essential for Commercial Buildings
4 JCD activists detained during protest against harassment of their female activist
Four Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) activists were detained from a protest march - called in response to the recent attack on a JCD leader Nadia Nusrat allegedly by Chhatra League men and her subsequent arrest on false charges in Feni.
Sala Uddin Mamun, president of Feni district Chhatra Dal, said as part of their peaceful program, a procession was initiated, commencing from the trunk road and moving through Shaheed Shahidullah Qaiser Road.
Also Read: Narsingdi JCD killings: BNP central leader Khokan, his wife among 70 implicated
Police baton-charged their procession and detained four activists, he said.
The detainees are Mohammad Yasin, Sharif, Jasim, and Hriday.
Feni district Chhatra Dal's general secretary, Morshed Alam Milan, said 15-20 JCD activists were injured in the incident.
Also Read: BCL attack injures five JCD members
“During our peaceful program, the police unexpectedly started baton charging and arrested four people,” he said.
According to the police, the clash between two factions of Chhatra Dal erupted during the procession, compelling them to employ baton charges to control the situation.
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Officer-in-Charge of Feni Model Police Station, Nizam Uddin, said, “When two groups of Chhatra Dal began clashing during the procession, the police arrested four individuals through baton charge to restore order”
A case is being prepared regarding this incident, he added.
CPJ, rights groups call for stopping ‘harassment’ of journalist Rozina
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and rights groups have called on Bangladesh to “stop harassing” Prothom Alo journalist Rozina Islam in a public letter issued yesterday.
The public letter was sent to Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, and Health Minister Zahid Maleque.
Law Minister Anisul Haq, and Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen were kept in the CC list.
The letter was published on the website of CPJ, and it reads: “We, the undersigned press freedom and human rights groups, write to seek your leadership in ensuring an immediate end to the harassment of Bangladeshi journalist and human rights defender Rozina Islam.”
Also Read: Court orders PBI to investigate case against journalist Rozina
“Islam’s work, for which she received the United States Department of State’s Anti-Corruption Champions Award in 2022, is a public service, not a crime, and should be protected under Sections 4 and 5 of the Disclosure of Public Interest Information (Protection) Act,” the letter adds.
The public letter urged the authority of Bangladesh to respect and protect the journalist’s human rights, saying, “We urge the authorities to fully respect and protect the human rights of journalist and human rights defender Rozina Islam, including her right to a fair trial, and to immediately cease all forms of judicial harassment against her, facilitating the return of her passport from judicial custody, and ensuring that she is not subjected to further retaliation for her work.”
Also Read: Anti-Corruption Award: US Embassy in Dhaka congratulates journalist Rozina Islam
The organizations that signed the public letter include Amnesty International, Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network, Capital Punishment Justice Project, Coalition For Women In Journalism, Committee to Protect Journalists, CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation, Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma Free Media Movement, Front Line Defenders, International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), International Federation of Journalists, International Women’s Media Foundation, Overseas Press Club of America, Pakistan Press Foundation, PEN America, PEN Bangladesh, PEN International, Reporters Without Borders, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, South Asian Journalists Association, and World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT).
Arrest, harassment continue to foil anti-government rally in Faridpur, says BNP
BNP Vice Chairman Dr AZM Zahid Hossain on Wednesday accused police of harassing party members and their families ahead of their anti-government protest in Faridpur on Saturday.
Zahid made the allegations at a press briefing held at Faridpur Press Club on Wednesday noon.
“On Tuesday, police arrested eight of our activists from Nagarkanda upazila and one from Faridpur Sadar upazila. Besides, police raided the houses of five of our party members and harassed their family members,” Zahid Jahid.
Read more: 250 BNP activists sued in Sylhet for vandalising PM, Bangabandhu’s photos
He said that BNP activists and leaders will defy all the obstacles, including a politically motivated transport strike, allegedly influenced by the government.
He said that the opposition people will start reaching the venue from Thursday—two days before the scheduled protest.
“The entire area stretching from Komorpur Abdul Aziz Institute field to Faridpur town will turn into a sea of people during our rally on Saturday,” Zahid hoped.
Shama Obaid, organising secretary of BNP, said that the ruling Awami League (AL) has announced a programme for Friday to foil their rally the next day.
Read more: Another BNP rally, another transport strike: This time in Faridpur
“The transport strike on Friday and Saturday is another tactic of the government to prevent our party members from joining the rally. Such plans and strategies won’t work as our party leaders and activists will make our rally successful against all odds,” said Shama.
Jahirul Haque Shahjada Mia, Advisor of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Chowdhury Nayab Yusuf, Joint Secretary of Mahila Dal, among others, were present at the press briefing.
Court in Chattogram: Staff withdrawn for ‘harassing’ lawyers
Lawyers in Chattogram on Sunday demonstrated and locked the courtroom of the First Additional District Judge’s Court protesting alleged harassment and misconduct by court staff in the city.
Amid chaos, all the staff of the First Additional District Judge’s Court were immediately withdrawn over the harassment of a lawyer.
According to court sources, bench assistant Saifuddin Parvez demanded money from lawyer Monjur Alam when he went to the court on Thursday to check some documents of a case.
When the lawyer refused to bribe, Parvez along with other staff of the court used abusive words at Monjur and made insulting comments about lawyers in general.
At one point of the altercation, the bench assistant and the other staff attacked Monjur, leaving him injured. As the court was closed on Friday and Saturday, the lawyers demonstrated and locked the courtroom and demanded action on Sunday.
Read: Dhaka court asks jail authorities to produce ex-SP Babul on Nov 10
Upon receiving the information, Chattogram District Lawyer’s Association President Abu Mohammad Hashem and General Secretary AHM Zia Uddin along with other leaders rushed to the court and brought the matter before Chattogram District and Sessions Judge Aziz Ahmed Bhuiyan, who then withdrew Parvez and his accomplices.
“Lawyers of the Judge’s Court are being harassed regularly by the court staff when they try to do their work. Court staff demand money from us whenever we go to check files, submit bail bonds or confirm bails from the High Court, and we are insulted if we refuse to pay. This can’t go on,” said Advocate TR Khan, Chairman of Jagrata Ainjibi Parishad.
Youth stabbed dead for protesting women’s harassment in city
A youth was stabbed to death by some miscreants for protesting stalking of some female passengers in bus in the capital’s Asad Gate area on Tuesday.
The deceased was identified as Md Rabbi Hossain, 22, from Shahid Nagar area of Lalbagh.
According to police, Rabbi along with some other people went to visit a park in Dhamrai from Azimpur on two hired buses on Tuesday morning. While returning to the city, Rabbi had an altercation with Faruk and some other men as they were teasing women passengers in the bus.
Read more: Youth stabbed to death in Dhaka's Sutrapur
“At one point, Faruk called someone by phone and informed him about the incident. When the bus reached Asad Gate, some three to four people got into the bus and stabbed Rabbi indiscriminately, injuring him and another person named Shaon severely,” said Utpal Barua, Officer In-charge (OC) of Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station.
Utpal added that the injured were rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), where Rabbi died around 1:00am on Wednesday.
The OC further said that the bus was filled with some shop workers from Gausia Market and some students from the New Market area.
DU student allegedly harasses Brac University student on campus
A Dhaka University student and activist of Bangladesh Chhatra League allegedly slapped and harassed a girl, who is a law student of Brac University, on the campus during the early hours on Tuesday.
But the DU student contradicted and accused the girl of assaulting him.
The incident took place at 3:30 am in front of Raju Memorial Sculpture on the DU campus.
The girl was on the campus with two of her male friends when the incident took place.
Read more: DU student found dead at Jagannath Hall
Najmul Islam, a residential student of Masterda Surja Sen Hall and postgraduate student of Institute of Social Welfare and Research of Dhaka University, said the girl was filming floating people who were asleep on footpath.
Najmul said that he stopped along with a friend as he was returning on a bike to the university dormitory when he saw the girl and her friends.
He said he asked why the girl and her friends were filming the floating people without their permission.
An altercation broke out, prompting the girl to slap Najmul, he said. Najmul also retaliated and slapped the girl back.
In a video posted online it was seen that the girl using abusive words and slapping the boy.
According to an audio recorded by a witness some details have come out.
"After my birthday celebration, I was standing in front of the sculpture with my friends and taking pictures. At that time two boys stopped their bike and started questioning us using bad words against me. They teased me and slapped me when I protested," the girl was heard in the audio.
Najmul told UNB that the girl also used abusive words when he questioned their presence on the campus during early hours on Tuesday.
He said they were filming the people who were asleep on the footpaths and attires of the floating people were not in order.
Read more: Prime accused among 4 held over mugging of DU student after abduction
"When I asked why the girl was taking pictures of the people without their consent, she said her father has the ability to buy the entire DU campus multiple times," he added.
"When I took my mobile phone to record her abusive words, she again insulted me,” he said.
"At one point she slapped me, and I slapped her in return,” he said.
The girl filed a complaint with the Proctor’s office on Tuesday.
DU Proctor AKM Golam Rabbani told UNB that they were investigating the incident.
“The complainant girl is not our student, so we have advised her take legal steps,” he said.
DU students won't need to go to Registrar Building for academic services: VC Akhtaruzzaman
Dhaka University (DU) students will not have to go to the Registrar Building for academic services anymore, Vice-Chancellor (VC) Md Akhtaruzzaman said Wednesday.
The assurance came amid allegations that the Registrar Building officials and staff often harass students as they go to the administrative building for academic services.
At 2pm today, Akhtaruzzaman went to see Hasnat Abdullah, a masters student of the English department, who had begun fasting unto death Tuesday in front of the university's administrative building to press home an eight-point demand.
Hasnat's demands included setting up of a complaint cell for ensuring accountability of administrative officials and stopping harassment of students; digitalisation of all administrative activities as soon as possible and setting up of closed circuit TV cameras in all offices.
The masters student ended his hunger today after being assured by the VC that his demands would be met. Later, Hasnat was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital as he fell sick during the hunger strike.
Read: 24 SUST students go on hunger strike
"Students will no longer have to waste their time waiting at the Register Building for hours. From now on, they will get all their academic services from their respective dormitories and departments," Akhtaruzzaman said.
"If anyone is harassed there, action will be taken through the hall provost and chairman of the student's department."
DCCI seminar hears calls for ending NBR, Customs ‘harassment’ of businesses
A seminar here on Sunday heard complaints that excessive tax and customs harassment of businesspeople are obstructing the growth of Bangladesh’s foreign trade and hurting businesses.
The seminar, organized by Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) at its auditorium, reviewed the economy of Bangladesh during the second quarter of the January-June 2022 from the perspective of the private sector.
DCCI President Rizwan Rahman gave a presentation on the topic in the seminar.
Mohammad Hatem, executive president of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), said the honest businesses involved in export and import of goods and services are mostly harassed at customs and National Board of Revenue.
Hatem said they face a number of hurdles in doing honest business. “These are our main obstacles,” he noted.
Read: Tackling inflation to protect people’s purchasing power key challenge: DCCI
"We need to call Chattogram Customs, Dhaka Customs and the Commissioner of North-South Customs almost every day to rescue the businesspeople from harassment. Transports and goods are detained on various pretexts. Why do they do it? It’s irritating."
He also said customs and NBR instead should pursue the corrupt businesses and detect those who commit crimes.
Shamsul Alam, state minister for planning, spoke as the chief guest, while former FBCCI president Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin was the special guest.