Enforcement of existing laws can end domestic violence: Speakers

RAJSHAHI, May 21 (BSS): Speakers at a workshop here today said a proper and effective enforcement of the related existing laws has become indispensable to freeing the society from domestic violence.

They defined that the domestic violence is a deadly crime, a social menace and a costly public health problem. Most of the victims of domestic violence are women and children. For sake of a cherished development of the nation, they called for addressing the crimes through a holistic approach.

The divisional workshop titled "Domestic Violence (prevention and protection) Act, 2010 and Rules, 2013" was jointly organised by Rajshahi divisional administration and Protecting Human Rights (PHR) Programme at Jafar Imam Tennis Complex conference hall in Rajshahi city.

Plan Bangladesh, Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association and Association for Community Development (ACD) supported the event in association with USAID.

'Promote human solidarity must be a part of the solution to end violence against women' was the main slogan of the discussion.

Commissioner of Rajshahi division Helaluddin Ahmed addressed the discussion as chief guest with Aminul Islam, director of Local Government Division, in the chair.Deputy commissioner of Rajshahi Mejbah Uddin Chowdhury, additional deputy commissioner (general) of Bogra Khurshidul Alam and executive director of ACD Salima Sarwar spoke as special guests. Regional manager of PHR Tanjimul Islam moderated the discussion.

During her keynote presentation, Mitali Jahan, project coordinator of BNWLA, emphasized the need for more coordination and collaboration between the works of all the government and non-government organisations concerned to attain cherished yield in this regard.

The discussants mentioned that ensuring equal rights to education, training, science and technology is the precondition for women empowerment which is very essential for ensuring gender equity.