Rights activists in the Barisal city formed a human chain on Thursday, protesting at violence against women and demanded exemplary punishment of the perpetrators through speedy trial.
Sushashoner Jonno Procharabhijan, a campaign for good governance, organised the programme participated in by members and activists of socio-cultural forums, rights organisations, including Bangladesh Girl Guides Association, and many women and girls.
Syed Habibur Rahaman, district president of the campaign, presided over the programme attended by, among others, Jibon Krishna Dey, Anwar Zahid, Nurjahan Begum, Shubhangkar Chakraborty and Mizanur Rahman.
Recalling that hundreds and thousands of women sacrificed their lives and endured indescribable torture to bring independence to Bangladesh, the speakers said society and the state must make the country safe for women.
They called on families to give adequate counsel to their daughters so that they are extremely aware before accepting any offer of taking part in programmes like music video or modelling or good jobs that may in reality be traps set by sex-trade rackets or rape gangs.
They also stressed growing of male children in family with strong values of respect towards women as human beings.
Lax laws regarding punishment of perpetrators of violence against women, protracted trial of such crimes and lack of strong political commitment towards ensuring women’s rights contribute to the increase in violence against women and girl children in the country, they said.