Anti-violence and anti-dowry laws were enacted in our country long ago, but we have not made much progress in creating positive attitudes in society for the welfare of the people.
Dowry culture that arises from the pervasive greed still thrives in the country. Around 50 percent of the violence against women in the country are reported due to the dowry culture, according to a study.
Many women are still facing dowry-related violence and the rate of homicides and suicides owing to dowry incidents has been high too. To replace the 1980 law, the government enacted Dowry Prohibition Act-2017, but the number of cases filed is still low compared to the number of violent incidents.
A man, identified as Mohammad Yusuf of Sonaimuri upazila in Noakhali district has allegedly strangled his pregnant wife for refusing to bring taka one lakh for him (Yusuf) from her father’s house to go abroad, according to media report. Apart from the pregnant housewife of Noakhali, many women were tortured to death for dowry across the country.
All will have to
change mindset
about women
A number of women were victims of violence across the country due to dowry related incidents. Besides, women also committed suicide for not meeting their husband demand for dowry. On the other hand, many housewives were also tortured for dowry. Though the country achieved significant development in women education and empowerment, the dowry violence is far from dying down. Such incidents are the most painful issue. The government has enacted laws but it is not enough, rather mentality has to be changed along with switching thoughts.
It has to be believed that ‘women are not only the subject of enjoyment and torture for dowry’ rather everyone should treat them as fellow colleague and ally in the same journey. All will have to change mindset about women as the changed mentality only can prevent violence against women rather than law.
They (women) have to be given equal rights in the co-journey and it is now reality. The modern feature of dowry is to provide large sums of money, jewellery, and other goods from the bride's family to the groom’s one as Bangladesh is fighting a losing battle against the menace despite having a law.
Therefore, all stakeholders will have to come forward in order to build up wide-ranging social awareness among the community people for prevention of dowry and sustainable reduction of violence against women.
