Ensure rule of law to prevent violence against women

The extent to which a woman can live in a society with dignity and safety is a measure of the health of that society. From this perspective, it is clear that our society is far behind. No survey is needed to understand this; just by keeping our eyes and ears open and looking around us, we can see the reality. Our society is still highly aggressive and violent towards women. In many cases, women do not have the right to move freely or speak their minds. Women are still questioned about their clothing. They continue to be victims of child marriage, dowry practices, domestic violence, and sexual abuse.

To raise awareness about preventing violence against women, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women will be observed from November 25 to December 10, coinciding with Human Rights Day. The theme for this year is "Protect Women and Girls, Build a Violence-Free World." On this occasion, various places in Bangladesh, like other countries around the world, are holding human chains and discussion sessions. On Monday morning (November 25), a human chain was organized in front of the Khagrachari Press Club, where 13 non-governmental organizations participated. Speakers at the event said, "Violence against women in both the hills and the plains must be stopped. To achieve this, the rule of law must be established first."

In the capital city of Dhaka, various discussion sessions are being held as well. In these sessions, speakers have emphasized one key point: Bangladesh has laws to combat violence against women and children, but the proper implementation of these laws is lacking. According to a report published in the newspaper on Monday (November 25), it was revealed that 68 per cent of the accused in cases of violence against women have not been arrested in 2024. Analysis of case data from various police stations across the country shows that, except for cases of individual rape, most incidents of violence involve multiple perpetrators. In cases of domestic violence such as dowry-related abuse, many family members, including the husband, are named as accused. However, after the cases are filed, a significant portion of the accused remains beyond the reach of the police.

According to information from the Police Headquarters, between January and September, a total of 12,769 cases were filed under the Women and Child Abuse Prevention Act, covering crimes such as dowry, rape, attempted rape, throwing of inflammable substances, and abduction, all of which occurred in 2000. Of these, 10,686 were cases of violence against women, while the remaining cases were related to child abuse. A total of 24,339 people were named as accused in the women's violence cases. However, only 7,835 of them were arrested. In other words, during these 9 months, nearly 68% or more than two-thirds of the accused were not arrested.

According to information from the Police Headquarters, between January and September, a total of 12,769 cases were filed under the Women and Child Repression Prevention Act, covering crimes such as dowry, rape, attempted rape, throwing of flammable substances, and abduction, all of which occurred in 2000. Of these, 10,686 were cases of violence against women, while the remaining cases were related to child abuse. A total of 24,339 people were named as accused in the women's repression cases. However, only 7,835 of them were arrested. In other words, during these 9 months, nearly 68 per cent or more than two-thirds of the accused were not arrested.

The reason for the failure to arrest the accused is negligence by the police. The police cannot escape responsibility by citing that the accused go into hiding. Cases of violence against women must be treated with the utmost seriousness. Allowing an accused person to remain free means putting another woman at risk of violence. Moreover, if the accused are not arrested, the case process is prolonged. When justice is delayed, not only do the victims suffer, but crime rates in society also increase. To ensure justice, the real perpetrators must be identified and arrested.

For sensitive cases such as rape, the throwing of flammable substances, trafficking, and pornography, it is essential to establish separate investigative cells within the police.

The issue of violence against women is not just prominent in countries like Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, but women all around the world face harassment at every step. Whether at home, outside, in the workplace, or in educational institutions, women suffer various forms of psychological abuse, much of which they cannot even seek justice for. Therefore, alongside the proper implementation of law and order, social security and awareness are also crucial. Achieving this is only possible through a fundamental cultural change in the country. Our society and state must become more women-friendly, free from fear for women, and work towards establishing equal rights for women. This is our expectation.