Form nat’l committee to ensure implementation of law, speakers demand
At first sight, it appeared that young women in burn dressing were roaming the street, handing out leaflets to pedestrians, rickshaw-pullers, CNG-run auto rickshaw and car drivers. It harked back to the tragic fate of Feni madrasa student Nusrat. The women were also wearing signs featuring Nusrat’s statements made in her final days.
The demonstration was part of a human chain -- protesting sexual violence against women and children -- organised by Naripokkho in the capital’s Dhanmondi yesterday.
Speaking from the human chain, Afsana Meem, movement secretary of the platform advocating women’s rights, placed a 10-point demand including formation of a committee to prevent sexual harassment at all educational institutions and workplaces in line with a High Court directive.
Speakers also demanded formation of a national committee to monitor whether all laws regarding violence against women, sexual harassment and rape are being properly implemented.
Other demands included introduction of new laws in this regard, ensuring rule of law, finishing trials within certain period, and removal of content in textbook that can enable negative sentiments towards women. Leaders and activists of 50 organisations including ActionAid, Utsho Bangladesh and Concern Worldwide also expressed solidarity at the event.
Meanwhile, Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), along with its 118 associated organisations, held a human chain in the capital’s Banani, demanding a stop to abuse of children and women and ensuring justice for victims.
Speaking there, MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam demanded formation of child protection committee in every neighbourhood across the country.
“All including parents, child rights activists, human rights organisations, schools and colleges as well as local youths have to come forward to stop these crimes,” she said.
She alleged that violence against children and women is on the rise as perpetrators are often not brought to book or adequately punished.
She demanded congenial atmosphere for women and children everywhere, and exemplary punishment of criminals.
Leaders of different organisations also condemned rise in incidents of sexual harassment and abuse in recent times. They quoted rights body Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) statistics that claimed at least 630 women were raped and 37 of them killed after rape between January and June this year. Seven others died by suicide following rape. There were also rape attempts on 105 others, it said, citing media reports.
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