Bangladesh Mahila Parishad in a statement on Sunday expressed concern over the social media smear campaign targeting the female journalist who was attacked and sexually assaulted on April 2 evening.聽聽聽
The statement said that when the incident spread on the social media, offensive comments and posts poured in on Facebook in a vicious attempt to stigmatise the journalist.
Sexual harassment and assault of women and girls outdoors and in the streets have seen an alarming rise recently in Dhaka city and elsewhere in the country. Sexual harassment on social media has also been rife in recent days, the statement read.
Such violence poses a threat to the safety of women in the country. It also disrupts their normal life and has become a barrier to their progress, the statement said, adding that those responsible for such acts must be brought to justice.聽
Mahila Parishad also strongly urged the authorities concerned to adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards violence against women by improving the country鈥檚 law and order situation, and to take immediate and effective measures, prioritising the safety and security of women and girls.聽
On April 2 evening, the journalist, Rafia Tamanna, an editorial assistant at 抖阴精品, her younger brother and a friend came under attack when they tried to resist stalkers at a juice bar near her home at Banasree.聽
When Rafia noticed a man staring at her, she asked him if he knew her and wanted to say something.
Later, three, including the man, beat the victim鈥檚 younger brother and assaulted her sexually.
On April 4, a Dhaka court sent to jail three youths, accused in a case filed over the incident by the victim on April 2.