We want to lead normal life

Some of the 35 acid victims at the workshop. PHOTO: STAR

Such incidents will reduce if people remain vigilant and culprits punished within the shortest possible time.

Culprits often retaliate taking the chance of lengthy trial process, they said at the workshop on "With Acid Survivors''.

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Thirty-five acid victims attended it, jointly organised by Action Aid and a lcoal NGO -- Sodesh.

Action Aid Director in Bangladesh Nasrin Parvin Haq presided over the workshop held at Satkhira Sadar upazila auditorium on Monday.

Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Ashrafuzzaman, Satkhia Assistant Police Superintendent and Member Secretary of Acid Control Council Delowar Hossain, Satkhira Chamber of Commerce and Industries President Sheikh Azhar Hossain, Sodesh Executive Director Madhab Dutta, SM Saidur Rahman, Tapan Chakravorty, Prothom Alo journalist Kalyan Bannerjee addressed the workshop.

The workshop began with acid victims Anjuman Ara and Aklima Khatun of Tala upazila narrating their horrifying tales.

"We want to live in society. We want help from all so that we can lead a normal life'', they said.

The speakers said easy availability of acid is also responsible for frequent such incidents. The government agencies should strictly monitor import and sale of acid. The authorities can easily do that. They called for building a social movement to create awareness against the heinous crime on humans.

Nasrin Parvin Haq said, acid throwing incidents have increased across the country as the culprits escape punishment through legal loopholes. More stringent laws are needed to punish the culprits, she said.