Inu: Rapists should be treated like militants

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JaSaD) President Hasanul Haque Inu has said the government should take action against rapists; similar to the action they take against militants.

He remarked this while addressing a human chain that was formed on Tuesday, in protest of recent incidents of sexual harassment and rape. 

Talking at the program in front of National Press Club, he said: "Both militants and rapists are working against the state. 

“Therefore, the government must deal with the situation in a similar manner as they did when tackling militants."

The former information minister said: "We read about a number of sexual assaults or rape incidents in newspapers. Some of them [the culprits] are arrested while some remain on the loose.”

“However, we barely have any information about their trials," he added. 

"Such culprits should be punished harshly. Otherwise, the problem will never be solved," Inu said. 

He said a desperate willingness by the government, the public, and the state could bring a lasting solution to the problem. 

"If government can put war criminals and Bangabandhu’s killers on trial, then why cannot they do the same to rapists,” he said adding that if the government wants, justice can be ensured.

Stating that just punishing rapists will not be enough, the former minister said:  "Those who assist them should also be brought to trial and strict action should be taken against them, regardless of their identity.” 

He urged the government to try police officials who are accused of assisting rapists.  

The protest was presided over by Dhaka City Convenor Nurul Akhter. JaSaD General Secretary Shirin Akhter, Vice President Shahidul Islam, Shafiuddin Mollah and Shawkat Raihan — among others who were also present in the protest program.