Who knew that the very first day of Bangla New Year will make lives of many women risky? Who could imagine that your morning will start with ‘Panta-Ilish’ and end up with horrifying mob molestation in the area which has been the symbol of protest against all odds, University of Dhaka?
April 14, 2015 was probably the worst day for some of the women who went to University of Dhaka to celebrate with family and friends. The aftermath was as usual. Social media burst out into anger and kept on demanding for righteousness. I decided to walk through what happened and asked a few open questions to a random sample size of 71 women who were of different ages. In order to analyse my answers, I went to visit the place where it happened, University of Dhaka. There I met a group of wonderful students who are from the Faculty of Business Studies (FBS), University of Dhaka and promised to do a lot for the society. I engaged in an interactive session with them.
My first question was "After the 'TSC harassment incident', do you feel safe to go out to public places on any occasion?" 92% of the responded surveyed that they do not feel safe. Shaika is a final year student of FBS. According to her, it will not be wise to hide from the public when the situation is that severe. Whatever it is, women have to step out and protest directly. Avoiding occasions from now on will boost the confidence of the culprits. Tamal seconds her and adds that dodging the goons is never a solution. The second question to the respondents was "Dhaka University has been the landmark institute of Bangladesh since long and the host of many cultural events. After such a nasty incident, will you visit Dhaka University with your close ones, even if it is a daytime?" 53 per cent replied they would not. This answer of the respondents makes Tonny disheartened and according to her these responses will make the offenders even stronger. And eventually they will move to other places and repeat the same. University of Dhaka is not to be blamed, according to him. But there are numerous complaints against the disciplinary committee and the local police that they were reluctant to carry out their duties. But Rimon differed. The footage shows police intervened and they were fewer in number compared to the number of the thugs. Yes, the police entered late into the scene but they were seen baton charging on the goons. But then again they could not do lot more by calling back up, feels Rimon.
It has not been even a month, and people seem to forget the issue completely. Rubel feels angry on this. We tend to forget issues and hanker after newer issues which eventually lead the escape of the culprits. Rubel feels we are not vigilant enough to tackle situations like these with a proper follow up.
So what can be the root cause for men to act like this? The respondents provided us with their answer and that is they feel the dilapidation of moral, social and ethical values in men are leading to such catastrophe. Shahriar said access to despoiled Indian films and dramas, absence of proper entertainment sources and the distance between parents and children are adding sparks to such anarchy. Shahriar feels the importance of bridging the distance between parents and children to tackle such social menace. Tania supports Shahriar and she also senses that bullets and batons can hardly minimise such degraded psychology. But then again the culprits of these incidents have to be brought under justice, she comments. Anindo is frustrated due to the absence of law and order and the blame game between police and others after such nasty occurrence. He thinks the police have to have the authorisation to work beyond any political influence.
Tausif was listening to all of them before he agreed with them on ensuring justice. He is very specific on his demand. He thinks the offenders have to receive stern punishment irrespective of any political party, ethnic group or anything. A nation cannot live on promises to ensure justice and peace without punishing the criminals.
While talking to all of them, I felt confident and relieved that there are good people around us. The power of righteousness may not be enough for the time being but with a collaborative effort of all men and women, we can ride out this storm and overthrow the psychologically crippled people around us. There has to be shared approach from the citizens, NGOs, police and moreover the government to fight against such hazards. Rimon, Tamal, Tonny, Shaika, Tausif, Shahriar, Rubel, Tania, Anindo-- all of the bright futures have agreed with the solutions which can work better for ensuring a sane Bangladesh.
The primary responsibility is on the guardians and parents. They have to play the vital role here. Mostly we see them worry much on how their children will win the race of becoming toppers in the class. They seem to be very busy doing so but neglect to teach moral values and exchange thoughts when it is needed.
Most of the issues are not in our hands, for example the filtration of Indian cultural incursion, punishing the culprits or regulating the laws. But what we can do to make our youths aware by uplifting our ethics and values? Building respect towards others will help us in dealing with such issues. We have to have the realisation of what is good or bad then act accordingly. Men must curb their view towards women and women must act sound as well. We must remember Bangladesh is a God-fearing nation. Neither we are radically devout nor are we open like the West. Hence a proper balance has to be ensured.
Government has a great role in this regard. Culprits must be brought under punishment and it should be exemplary so that no one else can repeat such heinous act. Regulation has to be formed and justice has to be ensured before people lose faith on each and every institution. People trust the government and thus government has to give them justice in return. Government can show a path to its citizens to initiate a social movement against such social anarchy. Together we can ride out the gale.
Finally the students requested all not to be panicked. University of Dhaka and its premises are not sacred until punishments of the culprits are ensured. They urged all to visit the beautiful campus, the finest educational foundation of the country and feel safe as they believe to keep vigilance with a joint association with the government agencies from next time.
The writer is a former online school teacher, Jaago Foundation and final year BBA Student of Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP)
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