'Build up social resistance against acid attack'

Speakers at a discussion in the city have called for building up social resistance against acid attack.

They said vigorous campaign is needed to raise public awareness about the heinous crime.

Mere enactment of laws is not enough to stop acid attack, the speakers added.

The discussion was organised to release a report on the implementation of Acid Control Act 2002.

Legal Education and Training Institute (LETI) of the Bar Council in collaboration with the Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF) organised the discussion at the National Press Club on Monday.

Advocate Sigma Huda, chairperson of ASF, chaired the discussion.

Advocate Badrunnesa Khuku, legal coordinator of ASF, presented the report prepared on the basis of recommendations made at two workshops held in Dhaka and Rajshahi earlier.

The report mentioned some limitations of the government's health sector, law enforcing agencies and the judiciary while implementing the Acid Control Act and made some recommendations to overcome them.

These include appointment of more doctors at district and thana hospitals for treating acid victims and issuing necessary certificates to file cases against the acid throwers.

Besides, separate investigation cell will have to be formed to investigate the acid throwing cases being free from political and executive influences, and ensuring accountability of the investigation officers regarding the progress of the cases.

The recommendations also included the formation of special tribunal for the trial of acid throwing cases.

Two laws on acid control and crime prevention act should also be included in school textbooks to raise awareness among the students against the heinous crime.

Taking part in the discussion, Barrister Amir-ul-Islam, vice- chairman of Bangladesh Bar Council, proposed to observe a 'week' to create awareness among the people about the acid attack.

He said people from all walks of life including NGOs, social workers, teachers and journalists will have to be included in national and district level monitoring committees to make them effective.

Manira Rahman, executive director of ASF, and M A Salam Talukder, chairman of Human Rights and Legal Aid Committee, Bangladesh Bar Council also spoke.