'Gang-rape and murder becoming national disease'

Eminent personalities at a discussion yesterday urged the government to take strict and effective measures against corruption, narcotics, rape and communalism.

They also demanded that “questionable election like the 11th parliamentary polls” not be held in future to protect democracy in the country.

Sammilito Samajik Andolon (SSA), a citizens' platform, organised the discussion on “challenges and responsibilities of the new government” at Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka.

Terming the national polls “farcical”, Oikya Nap President Pankaj Bhattacharya said the trend of police and administration favouring the ruling party during election should be stopped.

“Gang-rape, rape of children and murder are becoming a national disease. It's an ominous sign. The ruling party is also playing a role in this,” said Pankaj.

Noted writer and columnist Syed Abul Maksud said, “I don't see any harm in accepting the truth… The [national] election was participatory if political parties are concerned, but there was no participation of general people.”

SSA President Ziauddin Tariq Ali, Nijera Kori Coordinator Khushi Kabir, former deputy governor of Bangladesh Bank Khondokar Ibrahim Khaled and Dhaka University Associate Professor Robaet Ferdous, among others, also spoke at the discussion.