<%-- Page Title--%> Fact file <%-- End Page Title--%>

Octobber 31, 2004

In spite of appropriate laws domestic violence continues

Domestic violence, most of it related to dowry, rape, acid attacks for rejection of marriage proposals from men, teasing and extra-marital affairs, is common in Bangladesh. The country has witnessed the deaths of many promising women such as Selina, Simi, Rumi, Fahima and Indrani. Some of them were so harassed or teased by wayward youths that they were forced to commit suicide.

Laws relating to prevention of violence against women and children have been made more stringent, a new law has been enacted and then amended in the context of the rising attacks on women. The steps have resulted in some good results. Three policemen have recently been hanged to death for rape and murder of Yasmin Akhtar in Dinajpur. The attackers of Trisha, who died in her bid to escape her teasers in Gaibandha, have been sentenced to death in speedy trial under the new law. Trials have been completed in several other cases related to rape or attacks on women and children. Yet violence against women continues.

Says Dr. A.S.M. Atiqur Rahman, Director at Institute of Social Welfare and Research, Dhaka University: "Women and children in Bangladesh face various types of violence. The main actors are inequality, social unrest and deprivation. Besides those who are supposed to benefit from the law is not aware of it."

He continues: amendments or changes in the law do not make much difference. Because the vested interests groups are often protected. "It is true the government makes laws, but there are always questions about the implementation of the laws."

The sad tale of Asia Begum, 34, in Tangail district is an example of how many victims do not get justice. Asia started working as maid in the houses of her in-laws because her poor husband was unable to run the family. She was subjected to torture, including lashings on her naked body by her uncle-in-law as she refused his sexual advances. Says Khushee Kabir, a women rights activist, "We find that cases in which influential people or organizations are involved often got to court and victims get justice. Media campaign also play a vital role in this regard." "This is a male-dominated society and male muscle power plays a big role in deciding things," she says.

Many believe that women must be able to stand on their own feet and become economically self-reliant as a bulwark against violence if appropriate law enacted and support them to fight against all odds.

Source: News Network.