416 women raped in last six months: BMP report
On average, more than two women were raped every day in the last six months in the country, said rights body Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP).
Citing data collected from reports published in 14 national newspapers, BMP yesterday said 416 women were raped and 24 of them killed after rape in last six months, whole two died by suicide following rape. There were also rape attempts on 79 others during this time.
BMP disclosed this data at an online press conference titled "Violence against women and justice to them during Covid-19 crisis".
Reading a keynote paper, Maksuda Akhter, director (advocacy and lobby) of central legal aid sub-committee of BMP, said there were 1,451 reports of torture and sexual violence against women from January 1 to June 31, including the rape incidents.
She said 244 women were killed in different circumstances and 80 died by suicide within the timeframe; 33 women suffered torture by husbands and in-laws for dowry and 62 were kidnapped. Besides, there were three incidents of trafficking and 13 cybercrimes and other incidents.
Maksuda said BMP had summited a set of recommendations to the prime minister, concerned ministries, administrations and local administrations to prevent sexual violence to women during the pandemic.
She read out the recommendations, including appointment of adequate on-duty women police officers at every police station, expansion of One-Stop Crisis Center and Victim Support Center, ensuring Covid-19 tests free of cost and adequate supply of food to poor women until the situation improves, and strengthening hotline service so that victims can complain quickly.
In her speech, BMP General Secretary Maleka Banu said adequate shelter should be provided for women and girls and the role of the administration should be strengthened in preventing child marriage.
BMP acting president Fauzia Moslem stressed on political empowerment of women to establish women's right properly.
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