Can tech offer a hope against soaring sexual violence in BD?

Demonstration in Dhaka against sexual violence by women and children._11zon

Dhaka, March 24 – A chilling wave of sexual violence is engulfing Bangladesh, leaving a trail of shattered lives and sparking nationwide outrage. 

The recent, horrific rape and subsequent death of eight-year-old girl in Magura has become a stark symbol of a deepening crisis, igniting a fierce debate about the safety of Bangladesh’s women and children.

While the government has responded to the escalating public outcry with promises of swift investigations and trials – 15 days for probes, 90 days for conclusions – the grim statistics paint a picture of a society struggling to protect its most vulnerable. 

Figures from the human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) reveal a disturbing reality: 401 women fell victim to rape and gang rape in 2024 alone, with a shocking number murdered or driven to suicide in the aftermath. 

The early months of 2025 offer no respite, with dozens more cases reported in January, February and March -- many involving children. 

Experts fear these numbers represent just the tip of the iceberg, with societal stigma and fear contributing to significant underreporting.

Amidst this atmosphere of fear and anger, a question hangs heavy in the air: can modern technology, particularly the proliferation of mobile applications, offer a tangible solution in preventing these heinous crimes? 

While no technological fix can address the deep-rooted societal issues that fuel sexual violence, a growing number of experts believe that harnessing the power of digital tools could provide a crucial layer of defence for potential victims.

Professor Dr Md Mesbahuddin Sarker, from Jahangirnagar University's Institute of Technology, is among those who see potential in this approach. 

"We have reached a point where relying solely on existing laws is insufficient," he argues. "Modern technology, including mobile apps and the Internet of Things, presents a vital opportunity to empower individuals and potentially deter perpetrators."

Several such applications have already emerged in Bangladesh, each offering a unique set of features designed to enhance safety. 

The 'Anti-Rape Device,' conceived in January 2020, is a discreet wearable that can be triggered to send an immediate distress signal to the police. 

Meanwhile, 'Joy,' launched in 2018 by A2I and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, provides a platform for reporting violence and seeking help.

'Bachao,' introduced in January 2022, leverages GPS technology to connect users in danger with a network of pre-selected contacts and emergency services at the press of a 'Rape Alert' button. 

The 'Alley' app, a champion of a university software exhibition, boasts a 'Danger Mode' that automatically alerts trusted individuals and emergency numbers if it detects signs of distress through movement or sound in potentially risky environments.

However, the promise of these technological interventions is tempered by significant challenges. Professor Sarker points out the critical issue of accessibility, with some apps requiring paid subscriptions, potentially excluding those most in need. 

More fundamentally, there is a stark lack of public awareness.

Ruhi, a university master's student, expressed surprise when asked about these safety apps. "I didn’t know about them," she admitted. "I’ve never heard of them before." 

This sentiment was echoed by Sathi Akter, a 38-year-old WASA employee and mother.

 "What are you talking about? I don’t know anything about them," she said, highlighting the urgent need for greater dissemination of information. "My daughter is) l14. It’s important for us to know about these things so that we can raise awareness for ourselves and our children."

Even the police, while acknowledging the potential of these tools, reveal the early stages of their integration. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Deputy Commissioner Talebur Rahman highlighted the recent launch of the 'HELP' app, specifically designed for women on public transport. 

"Through this app, women can immediately report harassment or sexual assault in moving buses or other public transport using their smartphone and internet connectivity," he explained. 

But, he recognised that they were yet to see any successful distress signals through the app.

DMP's cybercrime department, under Deputy Commissioner Md Shahjahan, reiterated that their actions are primarily driven by formal complaints. 

"We take action based on complaints from victims. They need to formally report incidents for us to proceed," he stated, confirming that no complaints had yet been received through the safety apps.

The road ahead for leveraging technology in the fight against sexual violence in Bangladesh is fraught with both opportunity and obstacles. While these apps offer a glimmer of hope by empowering individuals with tools for immediate assistance and potential deterrence, their true impact hinges on widespread awareness, affordability, and seamless integration with law enforcement and support services.

Experts stress that technology alone cannot eradicate the deeply ingrained societal issues that fuel this violence. Public education campaigns, robust policy support, and ongoing technological enhancements are crucial to ensure these digital tools genuinely reach and help those in danger. 

Ultimately, the fight against this "shadow pandemic" requires a multi-pronged approach, where technology acts as a vital component within a broader societal commitment to safety, equality, and justice for all women and children. - UNB