Violence against women: Take firm actions against perpetrators

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed yesterday expressed concern over the growing incidents of violence against women and children and urged the government to take tougher measures to tackle the issue.

"Maintain law and order with a firm hand. Ensure that the country's situation does not become unstable and that Bangladesh's reputation remains intact," he said, calling upon authorities at the interim government and law enforcement agencies.

He made the remarks while speaking at an event titled "Indomitable Women, Invincible in Strength," organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal in honour of women's role in the July uprising.

There, Selima Rahman, another standing committee member of BNP, also spoke as a special guest.

Criticising the interim government, she said, "Today, I ask the current interim government -- why are women in the country being raped? Why are children being raped? During the past fascist regime, women were subjected to rape and oppression because there was a culture of impunity. But why are women still being raped on buses today? Why is there no action being taken? What is the government doing? The government cannot afford to be lenient."

Noting that women's participation in Chhatra Dal is falling, she said, "There are a few MPs now who were previously involved with Chhatra Dal. But why are there no female leaders in Chhatra Dal? This is a very difficult question. Women are not present in politics. During our time, there were some female students in the organisation, but now we no longer see female leaders. We need to increase female leadership. Women must be valued."