Dhaka, July 19, 2025 — In an effort to strengthen the protection of digital rights and promote a safe and inclusive digital environment, rights-based advocacy organization VOICE hosted a day-long capacity development workshop on digital safety and security, freedom of expression online, and the impact of internet shutdowns today at the NGO Forum for Public Health in Lalmatia, Dhaka.
The event, “Capacity Building Training Workshop on Digital Rights for Journalists and Human Rights Defenders,” convened media professionals, rights activists, and digital freedom advocates to explore the interconnectedness of online rights and freedom of expression. Designed to enhance participants’ ability to respond to emerging threats in the digital realm, the workshop addressed issues such as surveillance, cyber harassment, misinformation and disinformation, internet blackouts, and violations of data privacy.
S.M. Monjur Rashid, Senior Advisor, Communications, Social Protection Policy Support (SPPS) Programme, UNDP, Sharmin Khan, Legal Consultant, International Center for Not-for-Profit-Law (ICNL), and Reaz Ahmad, Acting Editor, Dhaka Tribune, inaugurated the workshop highlighting importance of digital rights.
Stressing on media literacy, Reaz Ahmad said: “There is a considerable gap of understanding between people with digital literacy and people with no such skills. Sharing information without credible source is detrimental to preservation of safe digital space.”
Monjur Rashid emphasized the need for joint efforts to safeguard digital rights in terms of access, availability, and effective use. “Students, activists, journalists, and development professionals should come together to design a campaign, particularly in the lead-up to elections, so that the issue gains the attention of policymakers and finds a place in electoral manifestos.”
“Our laws must be aligned with international standards and guidelines,” Sharmin Khan asserted. “Voices from diverse sectors including labour groups and grassroots communities, must be heard so they can articulate their needs. Only then can our legal frameworks truly uphold human rights.”
The interactive sessions covered key issues such as the fundamentals of digital rights, digital safety and security tools, the consequences of internet shutdowns, and the state of online freedom of expression. VOICE’s Deputy Director Musharrat Mahera presented the keynote outlining the interconnection between the components. Group work and open discussions enabled participants to exchange real-life experiences and explore collective strategies for action.
“Digital rights and freedom of expression are intertwined. Without a secure digital environment, individuals will be discouraged from expressing themselves freely,” said Ahmed Swapan Mahmud, Executive Director, VOICE.
The workshop concluded with a call for stronger legal protections, greater accountability from tech platforms, and regional solidarity to safeguard civil liberties in the digital era.