Professor Dr. Morshed Hasan Khan, convener of the White Panel, a teachers' organization with a nationalist ideology at Dhaka University, has called on the Home Advisor and the IGP to take firm action within seven days in response to the ongoing incidents of rape and violence against women.
He stated, “According to a survey, 70% of women in the country live in fear, while only 30% feel safe. Yet, we are unable to provide adequate protection for women in Bangladesh. Therefore, we demand for quick and exemplary punishment for rapists.”
He further stated, "We are giving the Home Advisor and the IGP seven days. Take a strong stance within these seven days. If not, we will come to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Our protest will continue."
Dr. Morshed made these remarks while participating in a human chain organized by the White Panel at the Aparajeyo Bangla sculpture at Dhaka University on Tuesday, March 11.
Dr. Morshed said, "After August 5th, we never expected to have to raise our voices for our demands so soon. However, we have been compelled to take a stand. If I were to explain the medical report of Asiya, who is on her deathbed, you would understand the brutality behind it. But I won’t delve into that. Today, in every district of Bangladesh, our mothers, sisters, and children are falling victim to various incidents. I believe this is part of a larger scheme. These actions are aimed at entangling us in a conspiracy."
The former White Panel convener and the pro-vice chancellor of the Open University, Professor Lutfor Rahman, said, "When a country starts its journey after a mass uprising, it is usually in a very bad state. However, even six months after the uprising, this situation is unexpected. We see that every day our women are being harassed. Therefore, we would like to tell the Home Advisor to reform the law and ensure the safety of women."
A member of the White Panel, Professor Nasrin Sultana, said, "In this country, we see that women are not safe today. Women are being harassed, raped, and subjected to violence in various places. This is an obstacle to the empowerment of women in this country. Therefore, all political parties must include the empowerment of women in their manifestos."
The Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Dr. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, said, "The deteriorating law and order situation in Bangladesh, marked by theft, extortion, and violence against women, has brought us here.. The fascist forces that fled in the past are now instigating their leaders and workers. For the last seven months, they have been trying various tactics to disrupt this government. Therefore, if the safety of life and property is not ensured, our protest will continue."
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
