104. Baseline study of “Freedom of Expression for Digital Governance – Swadhinata Project”

                                                                                Baseline study of 

“Freedom of Expression for Digital Governance – Swadhinata Project”

Plan International Bangladesh, in collaboration with its partner organizations, has launched the “Freedom of Expression for Digital Governance – Swadhinata Project,” a 36-month national initiative aimed at promoting freedom of expression (FoE), digital rights, and civic engagement across Bangladesh. The project seeks to strengthen civil society advocacy to combat misinformation and online harassment while fostering safe and inclusive digital spaces for youth, women, minorities, and marginalized communities.

CRD had been commissioned to conduct the Baseline Study, which established benchmark values for the project’s key indicators through fieldwork across 16 districts. The study  generated actionable insights to inform advocacy efforts, policy engagement, and ongoing progress monitoring. A mixed-methods approach were employed, combining survey, focus group discussions (FGDs), in-depth interviews (IDIs), and key informant interviews (KIIs). An experienced and multidisciplinary team with expertise in digital governance, human rights, social research, and data analysis  lead the study.