298 victims in Jan: Mahila Parishad
Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) yesterday said on an average, ten girls and women were reportedly subjected to violence each day in the last month, and blamed the situation on criminals going unpunished, terrorism and failure in enforcement of law.
Rekha Chowdhury, acting movement secretary of the women's rights body, made the disclosure during a press conference at its Segunbagicha office in the capital.
BMP collected the data from 15 national dailies throughout the month. According to a statement released by the organisation, 298 women and girls were victims of gender violence in January. Of them, 52 were raped, 22 gang-raped and five killed after rape.
Last year, 3,918 women and girls fell victim to gender violence, according to BMP. Of them, 942 were raped, 182 gang raped and 63 killed after rape.
“Perpetrators go unpunished mainly because of political influence,” Rekha Chowdhury claimed, adding even if an accused is brought under trial, proper investigation is not carried out and culprits are not given exemplary punishment. Violence against women is taking place everywhere -- on roads, in schools, playgrounds, rallies and public places, she said.
Meanwhile, BMP President Ayesha Khanam demanded that the government adopt a zero tolerance policy towards violence against women, and ensure no intervention from any sides during trial proceedings of rape accused.
“Every other sector is developing in Bangladesh; however, authorities could not prevent violence against women -- which is increasing in an alarming rate,” she said, adding laws that guide trial of rape cases should be reformed.
Comments