Digital Misogyny Unveiled: An Examination of Online Hate Speech Targeting Women in Bangladesh

Abstract

Discriminatory and sexist language expresses bias towards men and projects that women are inferior around the world. It is also evident in the patriarchal society of Bangladesh. While they are often prevalent subtly in communication taking place in person, the anonymous nature of the internet has enabled people to be vile towards women in the virtual world. Online hate speech and misogynistic behavior have become pervasive issues in today's digital landscape. Most people take Islamic verses literally or believe the religious clerics without checking their words' authenticity. The socio-religious idea of women being subservient to men produces numerous hate speeches against women on social media platforms. The presence of numerous online religious lectures spewing offensive words against women made the situation worse in Bangladesh. They conform to the prevalent idea that men should control women's agency, and for that purpose, even violence is acceptable. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the phenomenon, specifically focusing on the context of Bangladesh. Through case studies, it looks into how religious leaders fuel online hatred towards women.It further explores the various forms, impacts, and underlying factors of misogynistic online speech. By delving into the complexities of this issue, it also discusses the challenges faced by women in seeking redress and proposes recommendations to mitigate online violence against women in Bangladesh.