This evidence lamentably affirms why the murderers of Khadija and Risha or the attackers of Afsana are yet to be punished and these cases remain unresolved. Sadly, the same goes for many other cases.
The 2015 study states that 97% of women see sexual harassment as a form of violence. In addition, another 85% of women feel disparaging remarks are insulting and offensive.
Also, 46% women reported to have faced some form of verbal abuse or harassment in public transportation in the country.
According to Ain O Shalish Kendro, between January and August 2016 alone, a total of 442 rapes were reported, of which 107 cases were sexual assaults on minors aged 7-12.
Incidentally, the shame of being rejected by a woman has been found to be a major reason behind rapes and sexual assaults.
In most cases, rapes and assaults on women are either intended as a form of vengeance for rejection of romantic advances or to exert power over the opposite sex.
Cases of acid attacks and misuse of cell phones for harassment have also increased.
Yesterday a human chain was organised by the Nari Nirjaton Protirodh Forum (JNNPF) at the National Press Club in demand of punishment of the sexual perpetrators in the society.
JNNPF said although many laws exist to protect women from violence in our country, the reality so far has been disappointing.
At the human chain, the activists demanded liberating women and children of societal repression in order to address the increasing number of violence.
They also demanded rapid action for the unresolved cases of Tonu, Suraiya, Afsana, Risha and others.
Besides, in order to strengthen the role of the administration, installing of “sexual harassment monitoring cells” with strict disciplinary steps was advised for all institutions.
“The barbaric act of torturing and killing women in inhumanly violent ways continue in society just because the justice system is incapable of setting exemplary punishment to the perpetrators” stated Habiba Nourej of JNNPF at the event.
