Lawmakers, opposition bench call for setting example by enforcing death penalty for rape

Lawmakers from treasury and opposition bench and representatives of various organisations today called for setting an example by enforcing the death penalty for rape.

They made the call at a "Meet the Press" programme at the Jatiya Sangsad media centre, according to parliamentnewsbd.com, an online portal delivering news on parliament sessions.

Samaj Kalyan Unnayan Shangstha (Social Welfare and Development Organisation) organised the event titled "What to do to prevent violence against women."

Speaking as chief guest, Shamsul Haque Tuku, chief of the parliamentary standing committee on home ministry and also a ruling Awami League MP said one of the reasons for the increase in violence against women is the impact of drugs on society.

"Therefore, special importance should be given to control drug. Dope tests should be introduced at all levels of government and non-government to identify drug addicts," he said.

He said the ministries and different departments are working separately to stop violence against women. Various non-government organisations are also implementing projects in an isolated way and as such coordination is necessary.

Calling for a change in the education system to stop violence against women, Aroma Dutta, Vice Chairman of the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights and also an AL MP said, "Our pledge should be on the golden jubilee of independence that not a single woman in the society would be a victim of violence."

Jatiya Party MP Shameem Haider Patwari proposed to set up tribunal at the upazila level for speedy disposal of case related to violence against women.

He said the number of judges in the court should be increased. The capacity of upazila women's affairs officer should be increased. A woman personal prosecutor has to be appointed in all courts.

AL MP Aparajita said on the people's representatives to work for creating awareness among the people to stop violence against women.

Presiding over the programme, Jesmin Prema, chairman of Samaj Kalyan Unnayan Shangstha "We have to build a social movement to stop violence against women and children. Effective steps need to be taken to raise awareness at all levels."

 In the key note paper, Shakila Parvin, editor, parliamentnewsbd.com, said in the last half century, highest incidence of violence against women took place in 2019. In 2019, there were 1,370 incidents of rape, 237 gang rapes and 4,622 cases of torture took place in the country.