Sreemangal (Moulvibazar) Correspondent:
With the slogan “Stop violence against women and children now and demand justice for violence against women and children now,” a human chain was organized on Sunday at 11:00 AM at Chaumuhana Square in Sreemangal by the Conscious Citizens Committee (SNAK) TIB Sreemangal.
The event was presided over by Dipendra Chandra Bhattacharjee, President of Conscious Citizens Committee (SNAK) TIB Sreemangal, and moderated by Area Coordinator-CI Md. Abu Bakr. Among the speakers were former President of SNAK Sreemangal Syed Nesar Ahmed, SNAK members Kazi Asma Akter, Rahima Begum, S.A. Hamid, and SIG member Md. Sabuj Mia, among others.
Speakers at the event said that violence and rape against women and girls have become commonplace in the country. Recently, the frequency of such incidents has increased significantly. Girls and women of all ages are falling victim to this brutality everywhere – at home, outside, workplaces, and educational institutions. Considering the scale and intensity of the incidents, the entire nation is passing through a time of anxiety. Such a situation is unacceptable. Violence against women and girls, lack of proper enforcement of laws, failure to punish perpetrators, and delays in the judicial process are causing insecurity and imbalance in society, hindering the establishment of an equitable and discrimination-free social system. Urgent short- and long-term well-planned initiatives are required to eliminate such behavior toward women. Half of the country’s population is women, and sustainable development is impossible without their active participation. Bangladesh is committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination and violation of the rights of women and children.
The speakers from the human chain called on the authorities to expedite the judicial process for such cases of violence.
During the event, an 11-point demand was presented:
1. Take effective measures to prevent all forms of sexual violence, harassment, and discrimination against women and children in line with the anti-discrimination movement and the fundamental ideals of “New Bangladesh.” Ensure swift exemplary justice for perpetrators and provide full support to victimized families.
2. Ensure women’s rights in all areas and at all levels, reform necessary laws, and ensure the effective enforcement of existing laws to achieve this.
3. Guarantee the safety of women in all environments and situations, including educational institutions and workplaces.
4. Political parties, their affiliates, professional organizations, and all government and non-government institutions must take coordinated initiatives to establish clear commitments and practices of equal rights and dignity for men and women, irrespective of race, religion, or creed.
5. Highlight Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 (Gender Equality) and 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) in development plans. Ensure rule of law and control of corruption as prerequisites for eliminating violence and abuse against women. The state must play an active role alongside social and cultural movements to prevent harassment under any pretext.
6. Ensure good governance, accountability, and anti-corruption practices within all institutions responsible for ensuring justice, including the administration, law enforcement, and judiciary, in cases of violence against women and children.
7. Leverage digital technology and innovation as tools for achieving gender equality. Ensure women’s accessibility to the internet and electronic devices at an affordable cost and organize specialized training programs. Formulate and implement a specialized national strategy to protect women from online violence and abuse.
8. Encourage and provide necessary support, training, and policy assistance to individuals or organizations working to prevent violence against women in families, workplaces, educational institutions, or society.
9. In line with the directives of the Honorable High Court, ensure facilities for women-friendly complaint submission and resolution in all institutions while maintaining the confidentiality of complainants. Enforce laws strictly, disregarding the political or socio-economic status, reputation, and influence of individuals, to prevent violence, rape, and harassment against women. Expedite the resolution of cases related to violence against women and children.
10. Conduct effective awareness campaigns to create a positive mindset among the general public about preventing all forms of violence against women and ensuring equal rights for men and women.
11. Increase the promotion and effectiveness of national helpline and hotline numbers for complaints.
