Culture of impunity emboldens molesters

The culture of impunity in the society instigates incidents of sexual harassment as assaulters believe they can get away with the crime, said leaders of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad yesterday.

They demanded a quick trial and punishment of the men who were involved in the mass molestation of females on Pahela Baishakh at Dhaka University.

At a sit-in organised by the organisation in front of the National Museum in the capital, the women's rights activists also demanded investigation of the matter of police negligence during the incident.

"Almost three weeks have passed, but we have not seen any progress in the case," said Maleka Banu, general secretary of BMP, central committee.

Progotishil Chhatra Jote and Samrajjobadh Birodhi Chhatra Oikya lay siege to the office of the Dhaka University vice chancellor yesterday demanding arrests and trial over the mass molestation of females at the Suhrawardy Udyan gate near Teacher-Student Centre during Pahela Baishakh celebrations and removal of the proctor for failing to play his due role in the matter. Photo: Palash Khan

 "This was a planned incident carried out by a gang to create fear, "said Maksuda Akhter, director (legal advocacy and lobby), adding that fundamentalist forces carried out the planned attack to compel women to stay inside the house and create a barrier to women's progress in the country.

They said the Dhaka University authorities should be held accountable for the incident.

They urged women to learn self-defence and asked parents to teach their children about women's rights and dignity.

See Photos Online