Bangladesh Feminist Archives

Written by Ahona Aroni Hassan and Mayabee Arannya

Bangladeshi media – newspapers, TV news and online portals often dramatize GBV cases, competing with each other to disclose the most personal details of survivors. The purpose of news is no longer just to inform but to entertain. This fuels victim-blaming, reinforces harmful stereotypes, and spreads misinformation. By sensationalizing reports of GBV, our media keeps failing survivors and victims.

Problematic Practices by our media:

• Disclosing personal and identifiable information of victims and survivors, e.g. photos, names, addresses
• Using terms like “ধর্ষিতা”, which shifts blame to victims
• Adding vivid descriptions of the crime that can be triggering for survivors
• Highlighting irrelevant details, like a survivor’s clothing, fuelling character assassination
• Framing survivors as powerless, instead of focusing on the perpetrator’s accountability
• Using imagery that portrays women in a vulnerable state, chained in shackles or from an angle of shame that can be extremely triggering and perpetuates the victim-blaming culture

How Can the Media Report Gender-Based Violence Responsibly?

When Interviewing Survivors:

✔ Prioritise their well-being—avoid distressing questions

✔ Maintain confidentiality—share only what they consent to

✔ Respect their voice—let them shape their own story

✔ Be accommodating—ensure a safe and supportive space

When Writing Reports:

✔ Focus on justice, not judgment—omit any irrelevant personal details

✔ Use active language—“man accused of rape”, not “woman raped”

✔ Avoid language that implies any blame on the survivor

✔ Report facts neutrally—avoid sensationalism or sympathy for the perpetrator

✔ Consult GBV experts—for context-sensitive reporting

✔ Provide resources—include helpline contacts for those in need

In the Newsroom:

✔ Ensure equal opportunities—female journalists must not be sidelined with misogynistic excuses

✔ Empower women reporters—allow them to take the lead

Media must rethink its role—is it about getting clicks, or about responsible storytelling that upholds survivors’ dignity and supports systemic change? The public relies on journalists for credible, ethical reporting. The media has a responsibility to prioritise survivors’ safety, privacy, and agency over sensational headlines.