Ensure exemplary punishment for rapists: MJF

Rights organisation Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) has expressed deep concern over the recent spate of rapes and sexual assaults in different parts of the country.

A Chakma woman was gang-raped in Khagrachhari early Thursday, while two teenage girls were gang-raped on Wednesday night in Jashore.

In a press statement issued yesterday, MJF demanded immediate investigation into the incidents and called for exemplary punishment for the perpetrators through legal process.

In Khagrachhari, criminals broke into the house of the woman and raped her, after tying up her mother and stepfather.

The perpetrators then beat the mother when she tried to save her daughter. They also looted cash and gold ornaments from the house, police said.

In Jashore, criminals were trying to traffic the two girls to India. On the way, they took the girls to a secluded place and raped them, according to police.

In the statement, MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam said, "Women and girls are being sexually abused in different parts of the country. Marginalised women, women with disabilities and children are most at risk. Some have been killed after being sexually assaulted."

It is the responsibility of all of us to protect women and children from this peril, she also said.