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This study aims to identify and analyse the gender-specific challenges encountered by internally displaced women (IDWs) in developing countries, focusing on Bangladesh within the distinctive backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the paper recommends effective strategies to address and overcome these challenges.

This research, conducted by the PRISMA guidelines, investigated the socio-economic challenges of the pandemic for IDWs through a comprehensive analysis of diverse sources. These sources encompassed quantitative and qualitative studies, organisational reports, publications from UN agencies, the International Organisation for Migration, the International Labour Organisation, the World Health Organisation, case studies and newspaper articles.

This research sheds light on the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on IDWs, encompassing aspects such as safety, shelter, livelihood, household responsibilities, health support, external aid, domestic violence and childcare facilities. In addition, it emphasises the pivotal contributions of government organisations (GOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in ensuring the well-being and survival of IDWs.

This paper represents one of the initial endeavours in exploring the socio-economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic on IDWs. Moreover, it highlights the significance of tailored gender-specific assistance for IDWs in challenging circumstances. Researchers, policymakers, GOs and NGOs can leverage the insights gleaned from this study to enhance the socio-economic well-being of IDWs.

Online hate speech (OHS) is becoming a serious problem worldwide including in Bangladesh. This study aims to understand the nature of OHS against religious groups and explore its impact on their social life and mental health.

A qualitative approach was followed and 11 in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with the selected OHS victims. This study conducted a semi-structural interview using Google Form following the design questionnaire for selecting IDIs participants.

This study found that religious minorities experience online hatred through online media by the major religious group in Bangladesh. Natures of OHS are commenting on social media posts, sharing hateful memes and sending private messages using slang language targeting religious identity, religious food habits and ethnic identities. Victims were offended, abused and bullied by unknown persons, their university friends and colleagues. Victims of OHS did not take any action against it due to fear of insecurity. Victims of OHS felt low-minded, helpless and anxious after the experience of OHS; they felt more insecure and vulnerable socially and mentally.

The findings of this study suggest that policymakers identify the nature of OHS and take proper steps for reducing the frequency of OHS in Bangladesh. To combat the OHS, authorities have to make legal enforcement equal for everyone.