Law enforcers take rape of Dalit women lightly
Community alleges at public hearing in capital detailing other discrimations as well
She was gang-raped six months ago at Shamshernagar Tea Garden in Moulvibazar. Police only registered the Dalit woman's case six days later in the face of protest. Although she identified four out of the 10 accused, Kamalganj Police Station is yet to produce a charge sheet.
"What can I do now?" the victim's husband asked a panel of jurists in a mass hearing yesterday.
The five-member jury suggested they lodge a complaint against officers of Kamalganj Police Station to the superintendent of police of the district and the inspector general of police.
Nagorik Uddyog organised the programme on "Redressing Existing Discrimination and Torture on Dalit People" in the capital's Cirdap Auditorium.
Retired senior district judge Shamsun Nahar Begum, Honorary Executive Director of Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) Barrister Sara Hossain, Associate Professor of the Department of Law of Dhaka University Sheikh Hafizur Rahman and lawyer Narayan Chandra Charmokar were the members of the jury, led by Honorary Member of National Human Rights Commission Selina Hossain.
Seven other members of the Dalit community also shared their plights.
A father said his daughter was kidnapped on June 7, 2013 and was confined for a month and 28 days.
They filed a case and police arrested the accused but released them two days later. Police produced a charge sheet on March 19, 2014.
He said the date of hearing has been deferred nine times.
"The accused are moving freely and giving death threats to us. What will we do?" he asked.
Another Dalit man said his eight-year-old daughter was raped and killed on October 12. But they could not move forward with the case as Joydevpur Police Station is yet to give them the autopsy report, he said in tears.
Other people of the Dalit community narrated how their land has been grabbed and how they were victims of social discrimination.
After hearing their stories, Sheikh Hafizur Rahman said, "Our legal system is not poor friendly. Victims are harassed at hospitals, police stations and courts in seeking justice."
Charmokar said it was not possible to achieve Sustainable Development Goals if 65 lakh Dalits are deprived of their rights.
"It is clear how Dalits are falling victim to discrimination in seeking shelter of law," said Sara and urged them to draw attention of the chief justice regarding delay of case disposal.