Freedom of expression and the free flow of information are essential pillars of an inclusive and democratic society. In Bangladesh, however, access to and the effective and safe use of media and digital platforms remain limited for many groups, particularly young people, religious and ethnic minorities, and other marginalized communities. Limited awareness of digital safety, combined with gaps in responsible online engagement, often exposes these groups to various forms of risk and vulnerability.
To address these challenges, the “Freedom of Expression for Effective Democracy in Bangladesh (FEED)” project has been developed. The project will be implemented from 1 May 2026 to 31 October 2027. Its overarching objective is to strengthen digital literacy among marginalized communities and promote the safe, responsible, and meaningful exercise of freedom of expression.

Preliminary observations in the project’s targeted areas indicate that, although a significant proportion of young people and marginalized community members actively use social media, many lack adequate knowledge and practical skills related to digital safety and responsible online behaviour. Limited capacity to verify information and conduct fact-checking also makes them increasingly vulnerable to misinformation and the harmful consequences of false or misleading information.

Furthermore, there is a noticeable lack of organized local networks working to protect civic rights and promote freedom of expression. This gap highlights the urgent need to strengthen digital literacy, civic awareness, and the voices of marginalized communities, enabling them to engage more safely, confidently, and constructively in both digital and civic spaces.
The FEED project has been developed through a community-first approach. Before finalizing the project design, consultations and needs assessments were conducted with youth representatives, leaders from minority communities, and members of marginalized groups in the targeted areas.
These consultations clearly demonstrated that community members want to feel safer while using digital platforms and need inclusive and supportive spaces where they can raise their voices and speak about their rights. Their perspectives, priorities, and local realities have therefore been central to the design of the project’s training modules, networking mechanisms, and follow-up sessions.

Nari Maitree firmly believes that meaningful and voluntary community participation is fundamental to ensuring the ownership, sustainability, and long-term success of the project. By placing communities at the centre of the project design and implementation process, FEED aims to strengthen their capacity to navigate digital spaces safely, access reliable information, and exercise their right to freedom of expression in a responsible and constructive manner.