Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called for immediate and decisive action to end an ongoing wave of rapes and violence against women and children across the country, demanding swift and exemplary punishment for the perpetrators.
The organization on Sunday also condemned the excessive use of force by police during anti-rape protests, as well as the Dhaka Metropolitan Police chief's suggestion to the media to avoid using the term “rape," according to a press release.
This call was made during a human chain organized by TIB in front of parliament on Manik Mia Avenue in the capital, protesting the widespread abuse of women and children.
The event also emphasized the need for stakeholders to be involved in reforming the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act.
In addition, members of the Committees of Concerned Citizens (CCC) and Youth Engagement and Support (YES), both inspired by TIB, organized human chains in 45 regions across the country, including Dhaka, reinforcing the urgent call for action.
Speaking at the human chain, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said: “We are deeply angered and saddened by the horrifying acts of torture and rape committed against women and girls in the country. We demand an end to this cruelty.
"It is shameful to acknowledge that while men continue to enjoy the benefits of the country’s 54 years of independence, women in Bangladesh are still deprived of their true freedom."
He added: "Even in the ‘new Bangladesh’ born from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, women face discrimination at every level, which contradicts the very spirit of independence and equality in the country. While we commend the government’s efforts to reform laws and ensure swift trials for rape and violations of women’s rights, it is crucial that all stakeholders are involved in this process.”
Condemning the controversial comment made by the DMP chief regarding the use of the term “rape,” Iftekharuzzaman said: “Through this, the DMP commissioner has sided with the rapist and taken action to protect him, which is unacceptable. His comments must be retracted immediately.
"I urge the media to reject such reprehensible remarks from the police and to thoroughly report on incidents of rape and violence against women. Publicizing these cases is vital to combating this heinous crime."
He further said: "Crime is crime, and there should be no attempt to cover it up, as doing so reflects an ‘ostrich syndrome’ mentality. Additionally, the police’s excessive use of force and lack of tolerance toward anti-rape protests reflect authoritarian practices. The police must refrain from such actions.”
Iftekharuzzaman continued: “We urge all political parties, particularly those claiming to have been active in the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and seeking public support or electoral success, to clarify their stance on women’s rights. We specifically call on religiously based political parties to uphold the values of the anti-discrimination movement, rejecting any form of discrimination against women rooted in religious misinterpretation or bigotry, as such actions are entirely unacceptable.”
At the human chain in Dhaka, TIB Assistant Coordinator of Outreach and Communication Simum Mousumi Bristy presented TIB’s concept paper on preventing violence against women and children.
The paper outlined 11 key recommendations, highlighting the need for swift action to prevent sexual abuse, violence, and discrimination.
It called for prompt punishment for perpetrators, support for victims’ families and legal reforms to protect women’s rights at all levels.
Various human rights and development organizations expressed their solidarity at the human chain, including Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), Association for Land Reform & Development (ALRD), Bondhu Social Welfare Society, Manabadhikar Songskrity Foundation (MSF), Waterkeepers Bangladesh, Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), Naripokkho, and Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS).
ALRD Executive Director Shamsul Huda expressed concern over the continued failure to create a safe society for women, stressing the need to end the culture of impunity and ensure swift justice for perpetrators.
Mohuya Nizam from MJF noted that despite young leaders emerging from the anti-discrimination movement, violence against women and girls remains unchanged.
Deepa Malakar from BLAST pointed out the slow pace of justice and law enforcement, calling for greater coordination between law enforcement and the judiciary to expedite the process.
