It reported that the number of victims in 2005 was 3,855 down from 4,495 in 2004.

The BNWLA presented its study report entitled 'Violence Against Women in Bangladesh-2005' at a dissemination session at the National Press Club in the city.

Presenting the summary report, Principal Researcher Shaheen Akhter Munir said women in the country often fall victim to rape, dowry-related violence, acid attack, trafficking and fatwa (religious edict).

The study found that the existing laws are not enough to safeguard women and ensure punishment to the offenders, Shaheen said, adding that enactment and proper enforcement of an integrated law is vital to curb such violence.

The study report recommended enacting Victim and Witness Protection Act, bringing amendment to Hindu Family Law and conducting summary trial of domestic violence cases.

At the dissemination session, the speakers urged the mass media to help eliminate gender discrimination and curb violence against women through raising awareness.

Prof Nazmunnessa Mahtab of Dhaka University, Dr Karen Ellen Spannow, senior advisor to Multi-Sectoral Programme on Violence Against Women under the women and children affairs ministry, and Executive director of BNWLA Advocate Salma Ali also spoke at the session presided over by Advocate Sigma Huda.