Strong social movement needed to stop rape

Laws and government initiatives alone are not enough to prevent rape, child abuse and killings, stressing the need for a strong national social movement, BNP Secretary General and Local Government Adviser Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Thursday.

In a post on his Facebook profile, Fakhrul urged families, schools, madrasahs, teachers, religious leaders, media, social organisations and citizens to come forward to tackle the issue.

“We must teach our children respect, humanity, responsibility and the dignity of women. Ensuring the safety of our children means securing the future of Bangladesh,” he said.

The BNP leader said incidents of rape, child abuse and killings are not isolated events, but alarming reflections of long-standing moral degradation, social irresponsibility and the rapid decline of human values over the years.

“We are committed to continuing all-out efforts against these inhuman crimes and, to building a safe Bangladesh where our children can grow up without fear,” he said.

Fakhrul said every section of society must come forward to address the growing concern over violence against women and children.

He urged families, schools, madrasahs, teachers, religious leaders, media and social organisations to play an active role in building awareness and moral values.

He said children should be taught respect, humanity, responsibility and the dignity of women from an early age. Fakhrul also said ensuring the safety and protection of children is essential for securing the future of Bangladesh.