A deep sickness

It is hard to deny that rape in Bangladesh has become an epidemic. The recent gang rape and eventual murder of 27-year-old Rupa is a dark reminder of the sickness that permeates within our society. This was in an inter-district bus, a space where each and every individual in the country should feel safe and protected, be they man, woman, or child. Unfortunately, it seems, this no longer the case when it comes to our country. The case of Rupa is one amongst many such cases which have plagued the nation’s consciousness over the last few months. Rape has become commonplace -- and this only speaks of the cases which are reported by the victims, or of the perpetrators who get caught. The harsh reality is that there are countless such cases of rape and abuse in our country, as thousands if not millions of women silently suffer at the hands of these criminals. What has become evident, however, is that the reason this continues is because there are not enough laws and regulations when it comes to rape, and the ones that do exist are backward and regressive. And when these rapes are reported, the judiciary trudges along, giving the perpetrators ample time to flee justice. Bangladesh needs to do a better job of protecting its women. The culture of rape that exists is a sickening reminder of how far we have yet to progress as a nation. If we need to start treating rape cases with much more seriousness, and in specialised courts, then that is what we must do. If we require speedy trials for rape, then that it how it must be. But a solution is imperative. Too long has this disease flown through the bloodstream of our nation. Too long have rapists escaped the clutches of the law. We need to stop this. Once and for all.