Women journalists demand maximum punishment for child rapists, murderers

The Bangladesh Women Journalists Centre has expressed deep concern over the brutal rape and murder of children across the country. The organisation has demanded that all recent child rape and murder cases, including that of child Ramisa, be disposed of through speedy trial tribunals and that perpetrators receive the maximum punishment.

The demand was made at a protest human chain organised by the Bangladesh Women Journalists Centre in front of the National Press Club on Sunday, May 24. The slogan of the programme was 'No more promises, WE WANT JUSTICE'.

The programme was presided over by Bangladesh Women Journalists Centre President Nasimun Ara Haque Minu.

"In the last five months alone, 118 children have been raped and 17 children have been murdered after rape across the country," Minu said in her speech. "Parents and guardians are living in extreme insecurity and anxiety over such heinous incidents."

She called upon the government to ensure the maximum punishment under speedy trial laws for the perpetrators in the cases of Ramisa and all other child rape and murder victims, and to ensure overall safety for girls.

Journalists from various media outlets, along with leaders and members of the Bangladesh Women Journalists Centre, participated in the human chain.