The ruling Awami League (AL) has to take responsibility for the rape of a woman in Noakhali's Subarnachar upazila, leaders of Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) women cell demanded yesterday.

“AL cannot deny its responsibility as a political party since its cadres raped the woman who voted for 'sheaf of paddy' [BNP's electoral symbol],” said Masuda Khan, leader of CPB women cell.

She was addressing a human chain formed in protest against the Noakhali rape in front of Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka.

Demanding timely justice for the gang-rape of a mother of four, speakers at the protest rally urged the government to ensure security and safety for women and minorities across the country.

They also blamed the absence of democracy in the country for increase of such violence against marginalised people and minorities.

Speaking at the rally, Lakshmi Chakrabartee, presidium member of CPB, said, “As a freedom fighter, I feel ashamed seeing the wounded body of a raped women like [I saw during] the Liberation War.”

Citing their visit to Subarnachar upazila on behalf of the party, she said a sense of insecurity was looming over the residents of Subarnachar.

She also raised questions about the role of the newly-elected lawmaker of that constituency.

“Some of the accused have been arrested. But we demand timely justice and that justice does not become a mockery. Otherwise, the sense of insecurity will continue,” she added.

She also urged the government to implement the “National Women Development Policy 2011”.

Speakers also criticised the “farcical election” of December 30, and urged people to take to the streets to restore democracy in the country.

Luna Noor, a member of Communist Party of Bangladesh, said, “This incident is not an isolated one. When there is no democracy, marginalised people become victims… This election [of December 30] was a betrayal to the martyrs of our Liberation War.”

Conducted by Lucky Akhter, a number of women rights activists and leaders of Communist Party of Bangladesh's women cell, addressed the programme.