Take steps to end violence against women, children

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) yesterday urged parliamentary members and law enforcers to take special steps to stop the increasing violence against women and children.

"Why cannot you (lawmakers) at least call a special session and place a condemnation motion in the House, protesting such incidents?" said Ayesha Khanam, BMP president, at a human chain organised by the women's right body yesterday before the capital's Jatiya Press Club.

The event was held protesting the alleged rape and murder of two schoolgirls, Sumaiya Akhtar and Happy Akhtar, in Madaripur on Thursday .

Between January and June over 300 rapes took place, of which 100 were gang rapes, mentioned Khanam.

"The female lawmakers must clarify what their respective political parties are doing to stop violence against women and children," said Rakhi Das Purakayastha, BMP joint secretary general.

She praised the public who prevented police from arresting a school principal who along with students and parents had organised a rally in Madaripur on Sunday protesting the alleged rape and murder.

Parents of Sumaiya and Happy, both class-VIII students of Mostafapur Bahumukhi High School, accused seven youths -- Rana Shikder, Mehedi Hasan, Rakib, Rafiqul Shikder, Shipon Shikder, Uzzal, and Sajon in a case.

Rafiqul and Shipon Shikder were detained and based on their primary interrogation, police said, "The girls might have committed suicide following a feud over a love affair."

Yesterday, students and teachers handed over a memorandum to Madaripur's superintendent of police, demanding punishment for those involved in the crime, reported Somoy television.