The DRAPAC Bangladesh National Convening 2025 on February 3, 2025, brought together about 100 participants from civil society, government, the private sector, academia, and grassroots organizations for a timely and vital conversation on the future of digital rights in Bangladesh. Hosted by Digitally Right, in partnership with the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) and EngageMedia, the convening took place at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center in Dhaka, at a moment when Bangladesh stands at a crossroads in its digital and political journey.
The day opened with a powerful plenary on the future of a free and open digital space, setting the tone for candid dialogue around the promises and pitfalls of digital governance in times of transition. Over three focused panel discussions, speakers examined urgent concerns—from transparency in internet governance and the implications of the Cyber Safety Ordinance, to the complex balance between free expression and online safety.
What stood out across all sessions was a shared recognition: Bangladesh’s digital future must be shaped through inclusive dialogue, rights-based policymaking, and meaningful participation from communities long excluded from the process.
In the closing session, fellows from the second cohort of Digitally Right’s Tech Policy Fellowship presented research grounded in community needs and lived experiences. These presentations brought much-needed nuance and perspective to policy conversations, underscoring the importance of local voices in shaping national agendas.
What’s Next?
More than just a convening, the event served as a space for rebuilding trust—between sectors, between institutions, and most importantly, between people. It reminded us that dialogue is not just possible, but necessary.
We’re grateful to all the panelists, fellows, and participants who made this gathering so meaningful. Special thanks to our partners APC and EngageMedia for their critical support behind the scenes. As we look ahead to the regional DRAPAC in August 2025, we carry forward the momentum built in Dhaka.
You can read the full Outcome Report of the DRAPAC Bangladesh National Convening 2025 [here]
