Declare violence against women, children a nat’l emergency

Expressing deep concern over the rising incidents of rape, sexual violence, abuse and murder of women and children, 156 organisations and platforms yesterday demanded that such cases be declared a “national emergency”. They also urged the government to adopt and strictly enforce a “zero tolerance” policy against violence targeting women and children. The demands were made at a joint press conference held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity in Segunbagicha. Moderating the event, Manusher Jonno Foundation Executive Director Shaheen Anam said violence against women and children, especially child rape, had reached alarming levels in the country.

She said a culture of impunity and social decay was fuelling such crimes, while many cases disappear from public attention after brief discussion, allowing offenders to escape punishment. She urged journalists to follow such cases for at least three months and report not only arrests but also trial progress and outcomes. Presenting the keynote, Jinat Ara Haque, chief executive of Amrai Pari Paribarik Nirjatan Protirodh Jote (We Can), said every case of violence against women and children must receive priority during investigation. She called for stronger speedy trial tribunals to ensure exemplary punishment within 180 days.

She also stressed the need for victim protection, medical care, psychological support and compensation for victims and their families during trial proceedings. At the programme, the father of a child who was allegedly sexually abused at a madrasa in Kushtia three months ago, demanded swift justice, saying his daughter was still undergoing treatment. Speakers also called for sexual harassment prevention committees in all institutions, including educational establishments, along with independent complaint mechanisms and regular monitoring. They urged effective implementation of the High Court’s 2009 directives on preventing sexual harassment through specific legislation.

The organisations said violence against women and children reflected a broader crisis of social safety, justice and state accountability. They also called for a nationwide awareness campaign involving local government bodies, educators, women’s organisations, the media and civil society. Citing a Bangladesh Mahila Parishad report based on media reports, the written statement said 178 women and girls were raped between January and April this year, including 50 gang rape cases. Fourteen victims were killed after rape.

It also cited Ain o Salish Kendra data showing 199 incidents of violence against children during the same period, including 118 child rape cases and 46 attempted rape cases. Of them, 126 cases were filed. Other speakers included Prof Ishrat Shamim of the Centre for Women and Children Studies, Fauzia Khandaker Eva, executive director of Progressor, and Shahnaz Sumi, director of Bangladesh Nari Progati Sangha.

Meanwhile, several child rights organisations issued separate statements demanding speedy trials under special tribunals, submission of charge sheets within one week, and maximum punishment for the accused in the Pallabi incident. The National Girl Child Advocacy Forum, a platform of 241 organisations and individuals, called for prosecution of the Pallabi case under Section 9 of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, 2000, which covers rape resulting in death, and demanded the severest punishment for the accused. The forum also urged the law ministry and attorney general’s office to supervise the case and demanded a similar fast-track tribunal for a separate rape case involving a four-year-old child in Chattogram. The Child Rights Advocacy Coalition in Bangladesh also expressed grave concern over the rising number of child rape and murder cases, including the killing of Ramisa.

It emphasised the need for families to build friendly and trusting relationships with children so that they can report abuse and exploitation in time, while urging all educational institutions to establish and actively maintain sexual harassment prevention committees. The coalition further stressed the importance of monitoring children’s internet use, digital safety education, child rights and self-protection education, and awareness of emergency helplines such as 1098 and 999. Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association also condemned the brutal murder in Pallabi. The organisation said ensuring safety and protection for all citizens, especially women and children, was the responsibility of the state. “In this case, DNA testing should be completed immediately, a charge sheet submitted without delay, and the trial concluded swiftly to ensure exemplary punishment,” said Advocate Seema Jahur, president of the organisation.