Two women dancers were allegedly gang-raped on the Titas River in Sarail, Brahmanbaria, after being hired to perform at a wedding, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) said.
In a statement on Sunday, the rights group condemned the incident and expressed deep concern and outrage.
ASK said the two women were taken aboard a boat on September 11 on the pretext of performing at an event. They were allegedly held hostage at gunpoint and raped for an extended period.
The incident is a grave violation of the women’s safety and dignity and a serious assault on their professional rights and freedom to work, ASK said.
A woman has the fundamental right to pursue her chosen profession with dignity and work in a safe environment, it said. Working as a dancer or performing at an event for payment must not expose anyone to violence or abuse, ASK added.
The organisation said every citizen has the right to work safely, and ensuring such safety is the state’s responsibility.
ASK said the incident should not be viewed merely as a brutal crime committed by a few individuals. It also raises serious questions about the effectiveness of state mechanisms to prevent violence against women, law enforcement, and ensuring women’s safety while travelling and working.
ASK demanded the immediate arrest of all those involved and their prosecution following an impartial and professional investigation. It also called for ensuring that no perpetrator escapes justice due to influence or pressure.
The organisation also demanded security, necessary medical treatment, psychological and legal support for the victims, as well as protection of their identities and privacy.
“Women’s safety is not merely a law-and-order issue; it is a question of equal rights, dignity and human rights,” ASK said, stressing that the state must ensure an environment where women can pursue their chosen professions without fear or insecurity.