The unique rally was represented by civil society members, teachers, farmers, businessmen and students. They also expressed their solidarity with the campaign against violence on women and children.

Later, a discussion on 'Creating Mass Awareness against Violence against Women and Children' was held at Alipur bazaar. Jointly organised by Centre for Women and Children (CWC), a Dhaka based NGO, and Biswas Foundation, a local NGO, the programme was financed by Australian High Commission.

Biswas Foundation Director Abdur Rahman was in the chair while Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) H M Abdul Karim was present as chief guest.

Speakers urged all to come forward to eradicate all forms of violence against women and children.

They said that police officials usually do not file cases as they are ignorant about laws relating to violence against children and women. As a result, the victims are being deprived of justice, they said. They also alleged that members of the law enforcement agencies do not investigate cases properly in exchange of bribe.

Mere enactment of law won't protect women and children from violence, they said adding incidents of such violence are increasing sharply due to this phenomenon. They said repression on women and children starts within family. So, it should be resisted in family by changing attitudes and values of family members, they said.

They called upon all irrespective of male and female members of the family to come forward to resist violence against women and children.

They urged the government and NGOs to work unitedly for welfare of women and children.

Among others, Alipur Union Parishad (UP) acting chairman Romjan Ali, Biswas Foundation coordinator Arifa Rahman, freedom fighter Enamul Haque Biswas, CWC training officer Inamul Haque addressed.