Violence Against Women
No vote for MPs failing to help enforce law
State rights activists
Women rights activists yesterday urged women not to re-elect the present parliamentarians if they fail to help ensure proper implementation of laws relating to violence against women.
Stating that they were ashamed of the MPs for remaining silent over the rise of such violence incidents, they demanded quick trial of rapists so that verdicts can be delivered within six months of filing of cases.
Political parties and the government should not protect rapists and legal measures should be taken to ensure their prompt arrest and sentencing, they said at a rally held opposite to Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
The rally and a preceding procession on Manik Mia Avenue were organised by various rights organisations, spearheaded by Shamajik Protirodh Committee.
“It is a shame that our prime minister, opposition leader and MPs do not even acknowledge the issue of violence against women at parliamentary sessions,†said Salma Ali, executive director of Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association.
She said, in Dhaka alone, around 10 rape victims sought refuge at One-Stop Crisis Centre every week.
Last week, a memorandum was forwarded to Speaker Abdul Hamid at a rally, demanding an end to violence against women. "We are yet to get any feedback from the Speaker,†stated Advocate Sultana Kamal.
Later, a memorandum was forwarded to the parliament, demanding parliamentary discussions for a solution to the issue. The memorandum was forwarded by, among others, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad President Ayesha Khanam, Salma Khan of Women for Women, and Hunger Project Bangladesh Country Director Badiul Alam Majumder.
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