Take effective measures to prevent rape

We are witnessing a significant women's awakening in Bangladesh’s history. In protest of rape and sexual harassment and demanding swift punishment for those involved in such incidents, students from three universities, including Dhaka, staged protests late at night on Saturday, with the majority being female students. These protests continued throughout the day on Sunday in various parts of the country. On Sunday evening, the Anti-Rape Platform announced a torch procession in front of the Raju Sculpture at Dhaka University.

The protests are being organized due to the recent rise in rape and violence against women. The brutal incident involving a child in Magura has deeply affected people across the country. Protesters are therefore demanding a proper investigation into the rape incident and the swift execution of the harshest punishment for the guilty. The slogans chanted during the protest included, “Death penalty, death penalty, death penalty, we demand the death of rapists,” “No place for rapists in my golden Bengal,” and “Break the black hands of rapists, crush them.”

Angry students and the public are demanding various punishments for rapists. Some have even suggested burying the rapist up to their waist and stoning them. However, what does Bangladesh’s state law say about this? According to the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, 2000, if a person touches any part of a woman or child’s body or harms her modesty with the intent of satisfying his sexual desire, it is considered sexual harassment, and the person can be punished with rigorous imprisonment for up to 10 years or no less than 3 years, along with a fine.

This means that there is no death penalty in Bangladesh for the crime of rape itself. However, “if a person causes the death of the woman or child as a result of rape or any subsequent act after the rape, the person shall be punished with death or life imprisonment, along with a fine of at least one lakh taka.”

Punishments for rape vary according to religion and state law in different countries.

Since violence against women and rape are increasing at an alarming rate in Bangladesh, it is crucial for the country to revise and enforce its laws and measures effectively. Worldwide, violence against women and children is a systemic, widespread, and the most severe form of human rights violation. March 8th was International Women's Day, and on this day, movements against violence and sexual harassment of women and for equality are taking place worldwide, including in France, Italy, Turkey, and countries in Africa and Asia. Our women have also come out of their homes to join these movements.

For centuries, a world of violence against women has been built. I hope that this time it will break. I also hope that our government will take effective measures to prevent violence and rape against women. As the Home Affairs Adviser has said, “Women will perform their duties without fear or obstruction, and those who come to stop or commit violence against them will be brought under the law. No leniency will be shown in this regard.” We want his words to be proven and implemented in reality, not just words.