BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday alleged that the rise in incidents of rape and violence against women in the country is due to the administration’s inaction.
Rizvi made this comment while addressing a rally organized by Jatiotabadi Mahila Dal in front of the BNP’s Naya Paltan central office.
The rally was held to protest the rape of an eight-year-old girl in Magura and demand the harshest punishment for the rapists.
Rizvi said: “Why is this situation arising under the current interim government? If the administration had functioned properly, incidents of rape, murder, injuries, and corruption would not have escalated.”
He demanded that the government ensure swift and exemplary punishment for the perpetrators of the crime against the rape of an eight-year-old girl, so that other rapists and offenders are filled with fear and trembling.
“If this can be done, it will represent the rule of law for which we have fought for 15 years and made countless sacrifices. A terrible ruler like Sheikh Hasina was ousted from this country for the very cause of this rule of law,” he said.
He called on all political parties and students who were involved in the July uprising to unite and work together to prevent crimes and bring criminals to justice.
The BNP leader emphasized that the administration must function properly to prevent crimes and address the prevailing anarchy in the country.
He pointed out that many in the administration had suffered deprivation during the previous regime.
“But many of you have received promotions, even double promotions. The grievances you once had should no longer exist. So, why is administrative authority not being exercised at the grassroots level, including in unions, wards, and thanas? This is a big question now,” Rizvi said.
He reminded that it is the responsibility of the interim government to ensure the proper exercise of authority by the administration.
Rizvi said that the interim government takes any complaints from their party personally.
“In some cases, the government tries to take revenge on us very subtly,” he said.
He said that the reality now is that the number of rape incidents has increased, and women are not safe anywhere in the country.
“If you send your daughter to school, there is no guarantee that she will return home safely,” he added.
Rizvi observed that the police used to assure the public that offenders would not be spared after incidents occurred.
“But if the law had been properly enforced before crimes were committed, ensuring the rule of law, such a situation would not have arisen,” he said.
He mentioned that students involved in the Anti-Discrimination Movement have been visiting the offices of deputy commissioners (DCs), superintendents of police (SPs), and various ministries.
He further said: “We are grateful to the students and will not forget their contributions… but if they are giving instructions to the DCs, giving instructions to the SPs, and sitting in the rooms of DCs and SPs, how will the law be enforced?”
Rizvi said that if the DCs and SPs engage in any wrongdoing, students can protest against it on the campus.
“You are supposed to be there on the campus. I urge students to stand against injustice and discrimination here. Your duty is not to supervise the DC’s office, the SP’s room, or various ministries,” he added.
