Held at Rangpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry auditorium, the discussion, 'Combating Violence against Women' was organised by a local NGO, Padakhep while it was presided over by Advocate Hosneara Lutfa Dalia. Additional Deputy Commissioner Abdus Salam Sarker was present as chief guest.

Speakers underscored the need for greater coordination among NGOs, elite, public representatives and newsmen to combat the social ill.

They expressed their great concern over increasing incidents of oppression against women while only a few of the incidents are published in newspapers and displayed in electronic media.

They lamented observing that about 80 per cent women are dependent on male members of their families. As a result, they can not raise their voice against oppression on them.

They stressed the need for women's self-reliance.

Among others, Padakhep branch manager Shameem Hossain, district Vocal Person Selina Salwa, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) bureau chief Mamun Islam, Channel-I district correspondent Merina Lovely, The Daily Star Correspondent Rafique Sarker, The Bangladesh Observer Correspondent Abdur Rouf Sarker and The Daily News Today Correspondent Sharifuzzaman Bulu addressed.