TIB demanded swift and exemplary punishment to prevent the ongoing wave of rapes and brutal violence against women and children across the country today . Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Mar 16, 2025 (BSS) - Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) today demanded swift and exemplary punishment to prevent the ongoing wave of rapes and brutal violence against women and children across the country.

“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,” said TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman while speaking at a human chain at Manik Mia Avenue.

TIB organized the human chain protesting the widespread abuse of women and children, said a press release.  

“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 said, adding, “Even in the current changing situation, women face discrimination at every level, which contradicts to the very spirit of independence and equality in the country.”

“While we commend the government’s efforts to reform laws and ensure speedy trials for rape and violations of women’s rights, it is crucial that all stakeholders are involved in this process,” he added.

Condemning the controversial comment of the high police official on the use the word ‘rape’, Iftekharuzzaman said, “Through this, the police official has sided with the rapist and engaged an action to protect him, which is unacceptable. His comments must be retracted immediately.”  

“We urge all political parties, particularly those claiming to have been active in the anti-discrimination 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,” he added.

At the human chain, TIB’s 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 speedy 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.

Different human rights and development organizations which expressed their solidarity at the human chain, included Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), Association for Land Reform & Development (ALRD), Bondhu Social Welfare Society, Manabadhikar Songskrity Foundation (MSF), Waterkeepers Bangladesh, Bangladesh Legal Aid & Services Trust (BLAST), Naripokkho, and Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS).