Utpal Dutta, Editorial Assistant, The New York Times, Bangladesh National Section : Being a girl you have to perish or wither because you don’t conceal your skin, charm and fragrance. Society then seems to be a honeycomb with huge bees buzzing around. Still we see the ugly phenomena while global ingredients are gradually flourishing with the dream of a new dawn. And here in our country we embraces nightfall.
We play the role of sheer attitude of audience, watching and experiencing the scenario. It might sounds as myth while it is the fact, a saga of everyday life.
Women oppression comprising sexual harassment, eve-teasing, rape, fatwa based killings have become a daily routine while we the people society, the law enforcers are weaving the well said story that law and order situation is under control.
Molestation, oppression of persecution as we name it occurs on the streets or at home, in fact everywhere. Surviving incidences of sexual harassment leave behind long-term scar on women. Women encounter a lack of support system that is required to step out the anger, shame or feebleness. Experiences like molestation are not simply unpleasant during the time that take place, instead the poor victim has to carry on the nightmare years after years, possibly all through the life.
A recent study conducted by Human Rights Support Society, HRSS reveals the alarming violation scenario from January to June in 2018.The frequency of reported violent acts against women has risen steadily and at an alarming rate, especially from Jan to Jun 2018. Violence against women is a common and insidious phenomenon in Bangladesh. Most common manifestations of violence against women in Bangladesh are well categorized by HRSS.
The major atrocities found by HRSS against women are torture for dowry, rape, killing after rape, sexual harassment and stalking, acid throwing, physical and mental abuse and killing in family feud.
In accordance with Information collected by HRSS, a total of 64 girls and women were reportedly victims of sexual harassment in the first six months 2018. Among them, 44 were assaulted and 20 were pursued.
A total number of 379 females were raped. Among them 271 were victims of single rape and 56 were subjected to gang rape. 16 Female were Killed after being raped and almost 50 Incidents have been attempted to Rape.
Nearly 50 Instances of dowry-related violence were reported from Jan to Jun 2018. 26 Killed and 24 Women were physically abused over dowry Demands.
In first-half of 2018, about 148 women were killed in the family feud and 46 females get injured.
We often like to play futile, wasteful children’s games when we raise the question of women’s decency. Society along with the state prescribe women to be dressed modestly while subtedly the issue of security is left behind. Woman’s decency is not raided when she is sexually battered. Her integrity and dignity is not spoiled, her security and wellbeing is.
Data Source: Half yearly Human Rights Report, Bangladesh Situation, January – June 2018
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