Society at Large

Women and Society
Despite a number of horrendous incidents of gender violence, one is apt to begin with the story of Farzana Yasmeen Nipa when it comes to gender and society. Nevertheless, violence on women took newer dimensions in various forms i.e. stalking, rape, fatwa and last but not least domestic violence. On the very first day of a new year, however, we envision a Bangladesh where women will be truly emancipated financially as well as socially; where they will not face sexual and physical abuse and where they will enjoy all their rights that human beings in general are entitled to.

Law and Order
Frequent incidents of extra-judicial killing dominated the limelight for quite some time in 2011. Forced disappearance of either common or politically affiliated people only added a new dimension. But the predicaments faced by college student Limon and Dhaka University student Quadar brought to light a new face of law enforcing agencies. A palpable increase in mob violence has also aggravated the law and order situation in the country.

Limon, shot into disability by Rab personnel. Police: Star Archive	Rumana Manzur, who lost her eyes in an attack by her husband, feels her daughter's hand. Photo: Star Archive

Hena, who was whipped to death because of fatwa. Photo: Star Archive	Farzana Yasmeen Nipa has rekindled our self-confidence through her refusal to accept a man for asking for a dowry. Photo: Star Archive

Jui, whose hand was chopped off by her husband. Photo: Star Archive	Indigenous victims after a clash with Bengali settlers. Photo: Star Archive

Victim of Kidney trade. Photo: Star Archive	Quadar, tortured by police. Photo: Star Archive	Clothes of one of six students, killed by a violent mob. Photo: Star Archive