Allegation of rape of two dancers in Brahmanbaria, ASK demands neutral investigation

Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has expressed deep outrage, condemnation and protest over the allegation of gang-raping two women dancers after calling them to perform at a wedding ceremony in Sarail of Brahmanbaria and taking them to the middle of the Titas river.

In a statement ASK has demanded rapid arrest of the persons involved in this incident and bringing them to justice through neutral and professional investigation on Sunday.

Highlighting the news published in the media ASK informed that on September 11 the two women dancers were taken on a boat with the promise of taking them to a programme. Later they were held hostage by showing the fear of weapons and it has been alleged that they were raped for a long time.

ASK is saying that this type of incident is a serious blow to their professional rights and the right to work freely along with extreme humiliation of women’s security and dignity. It is a woman’s fundamental right that she will work with honour by being involved in her preferred profession and get a safe working environment. Working as a dancer or performing at any programme in exchange of remuneration cannot put anyone at the risk of violence or oppression.

The statement further said every citizen has the right to work safely and the responsibility of ensuring this security lies with the state. There is no opportunity to view this incident only as a heinous crime of a few persons. This incident also creates serious questions regarding the effectiveness of the state system in preventing violence against women, law enforcement and ensuring women’s safe movement and working environment.

ASK has demanded that all those involved in this incident must be arrested rapidly. It must be ensured that no one among the criminals can go beyond the reach of the law due to any kind of influence or pressure.

At the same time the organisation has demanded ensuring the security, necessary treatment, mental support and legal assistance of the victims as well as protecting their identity and confidentiality.

ASK believes that women’s security is not only a matter of law and order; it is a question of equal rights, dignity and human rights. The state must ensure that environment so that women can work in their preferred professions without fear or insecurity.