Dhaka University lecturer Shehreen Anim Bhuiyan Monami, of the Department of Public Administration, has filed a case under the Cyber Security Act against four individuals accused of editing and circulating her photograph in a sexually demeaning and defamatory way on social media. The case was filed at Shahbagh Police Station on Monday afternoon. The accused include journalist Mujtaba Khandaker, writer Mohiuddin Mohammad, Dhaka College student Nirab Hossain, and Ashfaq Hossain Ivan.
According to the complaint, the accused manipulated her photo and posted it with degrading captions implying sexual availability and moral judgment, including remarks about her clothing. Some shared additional photocard captions calling her the “subject of sexual fantasy.” Screenshots and Facebook links of the posts were submitted as evidence. The complaint states that these acts have led to widespread harassment, online mob-shaming, and emotional distress.
Speaking about her experience, Monami stated that she has been emotionally devastated, describing the harassment as a deliberate attempt to humiliate and silence her. She has sought action under the Cyber Security Ordinance to ensure accountability for the individuals spreading the defamatory content.
Shahbagh Police Station OC Khalid Mansur confirmed the case, stating that the allegations fall under cyberbullying and image-based online violence, and that further legal steps will follow. The incident underscores the growing pattern of digital misogyny in Bangladesh, where women in public and academic roles are disproportionately targeted through doctored images, character assassination, and sexualized harassment meant to intimidate and control women’s public presence.
Bangladesh Feminist Archives 