Shakib urges for collective action against rape

Bangladesh ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan wants collective action taken against rape after reports of sexual violence from all corners of the country shook the nation.

He said he could not stay silent on the matter anymore and pointed out that women across the country, irrespective of age, have been affected. He urged all to stand against violence.

"I am the son of a wonderful woman, husband to a wonderful woman, brother to a wonderful woman and the father of two young wonderful women too.

"I cannot stay silent against the heinous wrongdoings, especially rape and murder, these savage beings are committing against women and children irrespective of their age or religion on a daily basis and neither should you. I stand against all kinds of hatred and violence against human beings," Shakib wrote on a Facebook post.

More than ever, the country needs to reassess the moral degradation that has been going on for a long time and Shakib said people need to channel the same motivation as the freedom fighters of the nation to protect each others' rights.

"It is our duty to protect and fight for each others' rights just as our freedom fighters fought for our rights when it mattered most.

"Let us join hands and fight against this moral plague in our country and protect our women and children so they can dream and live their lives without fear," he said.

The incident of a Noakhali woman being gang-raped and being filmed sparked outrage across the country, and it seems the floodgates to this prevailing crime have opened. The crime had once again come to the forefront of national discourse.

Shakib warned that if perpetrators are allowed to continue with impunity and if society does not stand against these crimes, the consequences will be dire.

"Remember, if we let this barbaric behavior and mentality continue, one day the victim may end up actually being one of our loved ones," Shakib concluded in his Facebook post.