Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday expressed grave concern about the rising incidents of harassment and violence against women across the country.
In a statement, he strongly condemned and protested at the prevailing situation, urging for collective responsibility to address the issue.
鈥楾he people of the country are now extremely worried about the overall anarchic situation, including violence against women. We strongly condemn and oppose it, and at the same time, call on everyone to consciously play a responsible role,鈥� Fakhrul said.
He also urged the government to take firm action to curb all forms of unrest, including violence against women, and ensure justice and peace in the country.
Fakhrul said that women from various professions, including students and workers, were facing harassment and sexual assaults in different places, including educational institutions.
He mentioned that incidents of rape, torture and killing of women had become more prevalent since the Awami League government, now ousted, came to power.
Fakhrul alleged that the Awami League government had failed to take strict action against the oppression of women, allowing impunity to perpetrators, a situation that continued now.
鈥榃e are observing with worries that the trend of harassment of women in various ways on streets and in educational institutions has increased. This is dangerous,鈥� the statement said.
The BNP leader said that the incidents were causing anarchy and instability.
鈥業t is our moral responsibility to protect the dignity and freedom of women, which is a constitutionally recognised right,鈥� Fakhrul said in his statement.
