IT is neither the dress nor the behaviour to blame. It is lack of moral character and moral values, or else why would a five-year-old girl be brutally raped and left half dead! We saw enough of brutality with our girls during our liberation war but that was done by an occupation army and its collaborators. But it is inconceivable in a sovereign country. In Bangladesh, 45 per cent of the total population is below the age of 18 who fall into the category of children according to laws of the land. Again 47 per cent of this category are girls. A girl child is not only a future mother but also a great asset for a country's development. Recent incidents of violence and sexual abuse have raised enormous doubts about the safety and wellbeing of our women irrespective of age.
Protection from violence is a fundamental right guaranteed by our National Children and Women Development Policy. However, violence and brutality to children remains a common crime inflicted to our children regardless of their socio-economic status, culture and ethnicity. Physical and mental developments of these children are under serious threat due to widespread torture and brutality against them.
Although most cases of violence against children are uncovered after some time, they remain undocumented and underreported. Reporting and prompt action in all cases of violence against children, particularly sexual abuse, must be taken without any fear or favour and the offenders must be punished according to law. Simultaneously, awareness campaign should be conducted to make the people conscious and the law enforcing agencies should come down hard on the criminal whenever an incident is reported.
Ending crimes against our girls is in our hands. As long as women are treated with equality along side men, society will continue to prosper. Otherwise our achievements of sustainable development goals will not bring any qualitative change in the society. We want a safe and secure society for our women, particularly for our girl children.
Afroja Yesmin
Development Worker
[email protected]
