We are deeply shocked at the harrowing rape incident and murder of a 12-year-old madrasa student by her teachers in Brahmanbaria's Nabinagar upazila.
Reportedly, the girl's body was found hanging in a room of the madrasa she was studying in on February 24. We are told that the principal of the madrasa often sexually harassed the girl and asked her to have a physical relationship with him. Being refused from the girl, the principal, along with three others, raped and killed the child.
These types of rape incidents happen almost every day in our country including in schools, colleges, universities, and madrasas and after a few time the issues gets lost into the abyss of time. We are particularly concerned about the madrasas because of the place of respect they enjoy in rural villages and because of their strong religious influence which allows them to get away easily on bail after getting arrested. Therefore, it is high time for the government and civil society to address the vulnerability of madrasa students and take prudent actions accordingly.
It is high time for the government and civil
society to address the vulnerability of madrasa
students and take prudent actions accordingly
From office to parliament, we often hear that “women are the torch bearers of our society”. But are we doing enough to protect our female counterparts from the monsters? When we look at the statistics we cannot but become doubly concerned. When the rule of law is inadequate, perpetrators remain unaffected, especially when the society responds in a way that does not protect the victims.
Stricter laws and more vigorous enforcement might help, but these are not enough. It is time for the government to adopt tough legal measures to end rape incidences. Experts have pointed out that diminishing social and family values and a culture of impunity are the primary reasons behind the rising number of rape incidents. Moreover, because of the social stigma associated with sexual violence, many of the incidents go unreported.
In order to decrease the number of rapes and streamline better processes to facilitate complaints and providing counselling and medical help are imperative. Raising public awareness on recognising and preventing all forms of abuse should be mandatory. The epidemic of sexual abuse has long been sidelined in Bangladesh and this must be changed. Last but not least, Bangladesh should strive to become a role model in eradicating violence against women and children.
