1,836 women died in 2011 violence

A total of 1,836 women died last year as a result of violence and various forms of repression, according to a report of Bangladesh National Woman Lawyers' Association (BNWLA).
Among them, 569 died in domestic violence, 281 for dowry and 153 died following rape and sexual abuse. Besides, 101 domestic help were killed by their employers while four died in political violence. Another 2,989 women were victims of repression.
The report, prepared on the basis of news items published in 14 national dailies from January to December 2011, was unveiled yesterday at a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club.
The findings of the report showed that violence against women increased sharply in 2011 compared to 2010, when a total of 1,180 women and girls were killed and 1,757 fell victim to repression.
Lack of monitoring by the government and awareness among the people are the main factors behind the increase of violence against women, said BNWLA Executive Director advocate Salma Ali.
She stressed the need for establishing a national commission for women to protect their rights and extend legal support to them.
Terming pornography a severe form of women repression, Salma urged the government to hold discussions on the Pornography Control Act-2011.
Campaigns for ethical education and building awareness are necessary to change the mindset of the male population, she said.
Advocate Towhida Khandaker, director of BNWLA, and advocate Rashida Hussain, deputy director of BNWLA, among others, were present at the function.