‘Rape incidents rising because of impunity’
A culture of impunity is leading to recurrence of incidents of rape and sexual violence against women in the country, said different socio-cultural, professional and rights organisations yesterday, expressing deep concerns over Sunday’s rape of a Dhaka University student.
They also demanded immediate arrest of and exemplary punishment to the rapist.
In separate statements, the organisations also sought steps for proper treatment and safety of the victim.
In a statement, Dhaka University Teachers’ Association said, “We are noticing with grave concern that rape is becoming a social disease. Rape is rampant in the society due to the leniency of law enforcers, prolonged trial process and lack of exemplary punishment to the rapists because of improper investigation.”
“We have to raise our voice now to root the menace out. Otherwise, it will become an epidemic which will cause long-term damage for the nation,” it added.
Bangladesh Mahila Parishad said, “We have long been noticing that school, college and university students and working women are constantly being subjected to rape, gang rape, murder after rape and sexual assault.”
At times, family members and students are being attacked for protesting these incidents. As a result, the safety of women, students and girls is severely hampered and their free movement is being affected, it added.
The Parishad requested Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to take prompt action to ensure speedy trial, adopting a zero-tolerance policy in cases of rape, murder after rape and sexual assault.
Holding a human chain in front of Raju Memorial Sculpture, the organisation urged all to wage a social movement against the crime.
Rights body Ain o Salish Kendra said, “Increasing violence against women has become one of the major concerns in our national life.”
The achievements in women’s rights and empowerment are constantly fading due to incidents of rape, torture and other violence against women, it added.
It is undoubtedly the weakness of the state that it cannot ensure a safe and conducive environment for women, ASK said, demanding justice for the DU student.
Sammilito Samajik Andolon said incidents of sexual assault and rape are going on unabated. The accused get scot-free in most cases due to legal complexity, prolonged trial process and weakness of the judiciary system.
In a statement signed by its chairperson Sultana Kamal, Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation said the state is not being able to ensure safety and freedom of movement for women.
Hill Women’s Federation, Nari Sanghati and United National Awami Party, among other organisations, expressed concerns over the rape and demanded exemplary punishment to the rapist.
The second-year DU student was raped and tortured in the capital’s Kurmitola on Sunday evening, while going to a friend’s house. As she was walking on the footpath, the rapist grabbed her from behind, gagged her, took her to an isolated place nearby and raped her, police said quoting the victim.