Protests pour in against Shajahan Khan's remarks

Different human rights and civil society platforms yesterday condemned and protested the shipping minister's remark, downplaying the assault on women that took place during last year's Pahela Baishakh celebration.

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP), Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) and Samajik Protirodh Committee, a platform of 70 rights body, issued separate statements expressing their concern surrounding the minister's comment.

At least 20 women during the Pahela Baishakh celebration near the capital's Suhrawardy Uddyan last year were sexually assaulted. CCTV camera footage of the incident published in media sparked a widespread public outrage. 

According to news reports, Shipping Minister M Shajahan Khan at a programme held on the occasion of International Women's Day in the capital on Tuesday referred to the mass assault as 'not a big issue'.

"There are many people on the streets during the Pahela Baishakh celebration. In this country of crores, about two crore people live in Dhaka. What had happened so serious that needed to be reported? Such trivial incidents can always occur. It is not much of a big issue amidst so many people," he said according to the news reports.

ASK pointed out that in the last one year the perpetrators were not identified or brought to trials.

"Such remarks by the minister can both produce a negative impact on the free movement of women in the society and clear the way for the indemnity of the perpetrators involved with that incident," read the ASK press release.

BMP said the minister's remark would encourage perpetrators of violence against women.

His remarks are not just unfortunate for women but also for the government, said the BMP press release, adding that such remarks from a law and policy maker might have a negative impact on the women's empowerment and laws enacted to protect women's rights.

Meanwhile, according to a UNB news report, the minister withdrew his comment over the Pahela Baishakh harassment incident yesterday.

A shipping ministry handout, quoted the minister saying that his comment created "confusion" in public mind.

The handout further read what he had actually wanted to say was not properly presented.

He, however, regretted if the comments hurt anyone, the release said.