Memo sent to JS Speaker

A procession of men folk protesting violence against women was brought out from the capital's Central Shaheed Minar yesterday.Photo: STAR

Rights activists and civil society members yesterday forwarded a memorandum to Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Advocate Abdul Hamid demanding an end to violence against women.
The statement, containing a three-point demand, called on law enforcers to play a more active role in ensuring safety for women, quick arrest and punishment for sexual abusers, and a more efficient role of the government in this effort.
Earlier Prothom Alo Trust organised a procession, participated mostly by males, to protest violence against women.
Apart from organisations such as Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, Acid Survivors Foundation, World University and Activista, individuals from all walks of life joined it.
Managing Director of Ain o Salish Kendra Sultana Kamal said, "In most cases of violence against women, police and the authorities concerned cannot take strict actions against the perpetrators. We demand to see a change in the attitudes of law enforcers to ensure quick arrest and strict punishment for the abusers."
The memorandum was presented to the Speaker by some 15 public representatives, including Sultana Kamal, Dhaka University Vice Chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique, and Chairman of Prothom Alo Trust Mohd Aziz Khan.