We are deeply shocked at the harrowing rape incident of a Dhaka University student that took place in the capital’s Kurmitola area on Sunday. Reportedly, the rape took place while the victim was walking from Kurmitola bus stop to a friend’s house in nearby Sheora area around 7:30pm on Sunday. She had just got off a university bus.
These types of rape incidents happen almost every day in our country and after a few time the issues gets lost into the abyss of time. What is more alarming is that there are many instances where the rapists come out on bail after getting arrested. From office to parliament, we often hear that “women are the torch bearers of our society”. But are we doing enough to protect our female counterparts from the monsters? When we look at the statistics we cannot but become doubly concerned.
It is time for the government to adopt tough
legal measures to end rape incidences
When the rule of law is inadequate, perpetrators remain unaffected, especially when the society responds in a way that does not protect the victims. Stricter laws and more vigorous enforcement might help, but these are not enough. It is time for the government to adopt tough legal measures to end rape incidences.
Experts have pointed out that diminishing social and family values and a culture of impunity are the primary reasons behind the rising number of rape incidents. Moreover, because of the social stigma associated with sexual violence, many of the incidents go unreported. In order to decrease the number of rapes and streamline better processes to facilitate complaints and providing counselling and medical help are imperative. Raising public awareness on recognising and preventing all forms of abuse should be mandatory. The epidemic of sexual abuse has long been sidelined in Bangladesh and this must be changed. Last but not least, Bangladesh should strive to become a role model in eradicating violence against women and children.