‘Should we stop sending our kids to school?’

Guardians have urged the government to take a stern approach to end the recent spike in child abuse immediately, so that they can send their children to school without worrying.

They made the call from a human chain turned rally held in front of Chattogram Press Club yesterday. Khelaghor Chattogram (city unit) organised the event.

Over hundred guardians took part in the rally with their children to protest the recent rapes and deaths of minors across the country.

Moly Biswas, a protesting parent, said a country is considered civilised when its children’s safety is ensured.

“We have absolutely failed to ensure a safe country for our children as everyday they are being abused in various ways -- a failure which might prompt the guardians to stop sending their young ones to school,” she said.

She emphasised the need for a stricter law that will mete out exemplary punishment to the rapists.

Sharif Chouhan, another guardian, said parents with young girls are in constant anxiety for their safety.

“The situation has deteriorated so much that parents now worry when sending their daughters outside home. We must eliminate this fear by ensuring a safe environment. A nation which fears for their girls canont claim to be a civilised one,” he said.

Prof Dr AQM Sirajul Islam, president of Khelaghor’s Chattogram city unit, said today there is no place where children can feel safe.

“Our forefathers sacrificed their lives for a country that would be safe for its women, girls and children,” he said, adding that they would not have wanted what Bangladesh has become now.

“If the government does not ensure justice for the victims, does not take necessary steps to remove the fear prevailing among parents, we will be forced to make a call to stop sending our children to school,” he added.