The Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF) brought together men in a grand procession urging all men to play a vital role in eliminating acid violence from the country.

Later at a rally, the speakers demanded that the acid attackers should be given exemplary punishment under speedy trial act to discourage such heinous acts.

"It is now a must for men to join the movement against acid violence," said Abdullah Abu Syed, founder of Biswa Sahitya Kendra, while presenting a declaration of the rally.

About 300 women fall victim to acid attacks a year, he said, adding that such incidents are increasing alarmingly just because the enforcement of the existing laws cannot be ensured.

He also called on the political parties not to shelter the acid throwers.

Poet Shamsur Rahman said women have proved their worth in many fields.

They should be provided with all facilities like men so that they can explore their potentials, he added.

Attorney General KM Hasan Ariff called for raising mass awareness to put an end to acid violence.

Several women victims of acid attacks also narrated their experiences and demanded men's active role in resisting such social menace.

Dhaka University Vice-chancellor Prof SMA Faiz, Brac Executive Director Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, FBCCI Director Dewan Sultan Ahmed, President of Jatiya Press Club Riazuddin Ahmed, cultural personality Mamunur Rashid, film star Riaz, writer Anisul Haque, cricket player Habibul Bashar Sumon and ASF Acting Chairperson Shawkat Hossain also spoke.

Shamajik Protirodh Committee observed the day with the slogan 'Stop violence against women in family and social life and stop all state-sponsored violence'.

The Committee, comprising 30 rights organisations, held a discussion on the premises of the Institute of Fine Arts, with Vice-President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad Bela Nabi in the chair.

Masuda Rehana Begum of Mahila Parishad read out a declaration demanding an end to violence against women, improving the quality of democracy and trial of all religious extremists.

Executive Director of Ain O Shalish Kendra Advocate Sultana Kamal, Vice- President of Bangladesh Nari Progoti Shangha Prof. Mahfuza Khanam, President of Karmojibi Nari Shirin Akhtar, President of Dhaka Development Forum Dr Mahmudur Rahman, Assistant General Secretary of Mahila Muktijoddha Sangsad Farida Khanam Saki, Organiser of Sammilito Samajik Andolon Tarek Ali also spoke.

Mahila Awami League, Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, Bangladesh Garments and Shilpa Sramik Federation, Women voice - Bangladesh, Action on Disability and Development and Konnya Shishu Advocacy Forum also organised different programmes to mark the day.