Dhaka, October 6, 2020 (BSS) – State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Fazilatun Nesa Indira today said rapists and the perpetrators of violence against women and children must be punished and eliminated from family and society.
“They have no political, social or family identity, they also have to be expelled from the educational institutions forever, women and child abusers and rapists must be punished,” she said.
She said this at a virtual discussion on National Girl Child Day with Director General of the Department of Women’s Affairs Parveen Akhter in the chair, said a press release.
The meeting was jointly organized by the Department of Women’s Affairs and the National Girl Child Advocacy Forum.
Chaman Ara Tayyab, chairman, National Women’s Organization, Farida Parveen, additional secretary, Jyoti Lal Kuri, director general, Shishu Academy and Nasima Akhter Jolly, secretary, National Kanya Shishu Advocacy Forum, addressed the discussion.
“Torturers and rapists have been arrested in the incidents in Sylhet and Begumganj in Noakhali, cases have been filed, the government is determined to completely prevent the abuse of women and children and their punishment will be ensured through speedy trial,” Indira added.
Sexual harassment prevention committees have been set up in all educational institutions for the safety and security of girls, she said.
“Stipends are being provided to female students to prevent dropouts and increase attendance. The rate of female students at primary and secondary level is higher than that of boys. Health-friendly wash blocks have been constructed in school colleges. The National Helpline 109 is open 24 hours a day for immediate assistance in any emergency,” she added.
Expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for pledging to increase the participation of women in the workplace to 50 percent at the UN High Level Conference, the state minister said, “Today’s daughters will ensure 50-50 employment in 2041. The Prime Minister’s pledge will be a charter for the liberation of women around the world to achieve equality, empowerment and progress”.