Prepare to fight harassment
Speakers urge women
Speakers at a programme yesterday called upon the women across the country to take necessary measures and preparations to stand against all kinds of violence and sexual harassment.
Women should be gallant and learn the art of self-defence to tackle any situation, they said.
The speakers told a press conference titled "Say no to violence against women: Be a real man" held at the Hotel Sonargaon in the city.
Bangladesh Musical Bands' Association (BAMBA) in association with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the government organised the press conference ahead of a concert to be held at the Army Stadium marking the International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women on December 3.
"Stalking is, by no means, a new phenomenon in Bangladesh," said Ayub Bachchu, popular musician and member of executive body of BAMBA.
"We have seen mischievous youths standing in street corners and whistling to young girls in many neighbourhoods in the past. But what is happening now has gone beyond mere mischief or irritation," he said.
The speakers said the term "eve teasing", as journalists say it, is too soft of a word to describe the torment and distress experienced by the young women.
"This is one of the worst forms of sexual harassment and calling it 'eve teasing' does not help the average citizen understand the gravity of the problem," said Hamin Ahmed, president of BAMBA, "Girls are committing suicides and many parents have also lost their lives due to these stalkers."
They urged everyone to create awareness so that the youths learn to respect women as motherly figures.
"Brother, you did not fall down from the sky," said Ayub Bachchu addressing the youths, "You had a mother, and these women will be mothers some day' - This message needs to be instilled in the minds of the youths."
This is the message of the concert that will be held at the Army Stadium on December 3, they said.
"This is a concert with a message," said UNFPA Representative Arthur Erken, "and the massage is to say no to violence against women. This message is bigger than the concert itself."
Information Secretary Hedayetullah Al Mamun was also present at the programme.
Twelve major band music groups of Bangladesh will perform at the concert, which will be a non-profit programme sponsored by the UNFPA. All proceedings from ticket sales would go to the UNFPA fund to raise awareness regarding sexual abuse, violence and stalking.
The twelve band groups including LRB, Miles, Souls, Warfaze, Artcell and Aurthohin, will also compose a theme song to mark the event and raise awareness regarding the issue of violence against women, the speakers said.
The theme song and awareness programme on the issue will be broadcast through various media, they added.
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