MAILBOX

Stop sharing videos of child abuse

Many children are deprived of their basic human rights, with poor health, nutrition, and education, in Bangladesh. In addition, children are exposed to severe forms of sexual, physical and mental abuse at home, in institutions, and other public places. Disturbing video clips appear daily on social media, of a child being tortured inhumanly by a single person or a group of people. Bystanders are just observing or busy capturing the whole incident on their phones rather than taking steps to stop the abuse.

When we watch these, it is already too late to take any steps. It may spread awareness among viewers but we can do nothing beyond watching the video clip and reacting with a sad emoticon.

We have to increase public awareness about child abuse but not like this. Who can ensure that another child is not disturbed by watching one of these videos? Stop sharing these videos if you can't do anything being on the spot.

Rifatul Islam

Jatrabari, Dhaka

Exploitation of Rohingya girls

Bangladesh has achieved a lot of international praise for giving shelter to the Rohingya fleeing brutal ethnic cleansing in Myanmar. But the news brings disturbing developments. It is a matter of sorrow and shame that young Rohingya girls are victims of sexual exploitation and are even being sold into prostitution in Cox's Bazar, as recently reported by the BBC.

Apparently, the government and security forces have not taken enough steps to stop this type of criminal activities. Now it is time that the government takes proper actions against the criminals trafficking those helpless girls. Otherwise, the good reputation that Bangladesh has earned for itself in the Rohingya crisis will quickly disappear.

Sayek Ahmed Sajib

Sharankhola, Bagerhat

Women don't vote

There is now only one union, (No. 16/Rupsha South Union) under Faridganj upazila of Chandpur, left in Bangladesh where women do not exercise their right to vote. It's not clear why they don't participate—it is said that one year there was chaos in the polling centre and a woman was harassed during the incident. So, a religious local, pir, effectively issuing a fatwa, discouraged women from going to the polling centre.

However, it's ironic that women candidates of the union regularly participate in the UP elections to compete for the reserved seats. It is a contradictory scenario. If women candidates can participate in local elections, then what holds back women from voting? Islam equates men and women in terms of duties and responsibilities, except for their natural differences. Electing local representatives is also a right and Islam, or any other religion, does not discourage women from this practice.

When their female neighbours in the next union have the right to vote, why do generations of women of Rupsha South continue to observe this practice which goes against their basic right as citizens?

Md Azam Khan

Laxmipur