Call for comprehensive plan of action to resist stalking

Speakers at a workshop yesterday stressed the need for formulation of a comprehensive plan of action to resist stalking.
They said massive programmes should be taken from the grassroots level to national level to combat stalking and sexual harassment that has turned into a social disease, they said.
The Department of Women Affairs (DWA) organised the workshop at its auditorium in the city.
Speaking as the chief guest, Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs acting secretary Tariq-ul-Islam said it is not possible to fight against staking by his ministry alone, coordinated efforts of different ministries concerned are required in this regard.
"The government is determined to ensure security for the girls and needs cooperation from the people and NGOs to reach the goal," he said.
DWA Director General Ashraf Hossain emphasise building a social resistance against stalking and called for formation of anti-staking committee at all the educational institutions and localities.
He urged all the stakeholders to give specific recommendations for an effective plan of action to stop stalking.
Other participants in the workshop suggested the government to take short-mid and long-term strategies to fight the menace.
Their recommendations include -- division of works among different ministries and government agencies, making the guardians aware, ban on use of mobile phone of youths below 18, strict implementation of existing laws and making the law enforcement agencies more active on the issue.
Prior to the workshop, the DWA officials gathered recommendation for the school and college students (both male and female) of different educational institutions across the country.
Their recommendations include -- establishing library at every locality, stopping obscene film and programmes and ensuring proper use of Internet.
Representatives of Bangladesh Mahila Samity, National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) and different print and electronic media persons participated in the function.