Monitoring Government Programs by Anti-Rape Activists: Current Status
In a bid to oversee the government’s initiatives concerning rape prosecution, the Anti-Rape Activists plan to establish a special tribunal. However, currently, they lack any specific action plan. Their focus lies on monitoring the progress of cases related to child rape in Magura and evaluating the functionality of the special tribunal that’s been put into place.
On Wednesday (March 12), at the Secretariat, 28 leaders of the Anti-Rape Activists handed a memorandum to the legal advisor following a meeting. After discussions with Asif Nazrul, an expert in law, justice, and parliament matters, a spokesperson from the Anti-Rape Activists informed the journalists about their intentions.
During the meeting, a female leader from the group shared how, on the night of March 9, five female students from the Dhaka University had come to raise their voices against rape and violence against women across the country. As a result, the Anti-Rape Activists made a declaration there. Subsequently, they organized a torch rally and presented five demands following Raju Bhaskar’s directives. Today, we have come to provide these five demands in the form of a memorandum to the legal advisor.
The spokesperson emphasized their demand to expedite the trial of child rape cases in Magura within a month. They are hopeful that the highest punishment, possibly the death penalty, will be ensured in this case. This will set a precedent for the entire nation.
Furthermore, they expressed their need for a special tribunal to be established for rape trials. Previously, due to the involvement of powerful individuals, rapists have managed to evade the law, slipping through its loopholes. The government has failed to bring them to justice. They aim to reinitiate investigations into past cases and ensure legal proceedings.
It was pointed out by the spokesperson that there are ambiguities in various laws related to rape. These ambiguities provide an opportunity for perpetrators to escape justice. They have requested the refinement of these laws to avoid any loopholes.
After the meeting, the leader of the Anti-Rape Activists shared their contentment, stating, “We have presented five clear demands from our end. If these five demands are appropriately addressed, the rate of rape in Bangladesh can significantly decrease. Our discussion with Sir (the legal advisor) has left us reassured for now.”
It is crucial to accept responsibility for the ongoing sexual violence and harassment in the country. Educational institutions and workplaces need to establish effective anti-harassment cells for women and children.
As the meeting concluded, the spokesperson of the Anti-Rape Activists reassured, “We have presented five clear demands. If these demands are addressed appropriately, the rate of rape in Bangladesh can significantly decrease. Our discussion with Sir has left us reassured for now.”
It is evident that the fight against rape requires a multifaceted approach, involving not only legal measures but also social and educational initiatives. The Anti-Rape Activists are taking a proactive stance in pushing for change and seeking justice for the victims.
Bangla News 24: 2136 hours, March 12, 2025
By Senior Correspondent | BanglaNewsTwentyFour.com
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