The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called for a decisive step immediately to end the ongoing wave of rapes and brutal violence against women and children across the country.
The Dhaka chapter of the Berlin-based anti-corruption watchdog also demanded quick and exemplary punishment for the offenders, according to a statement.
The demand was made during a human chain formed by the TIB in front of the National Parliament at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital on Sunday.
In addition, members of the Committees of Concerned Citizens (CCC) and the Youth Engagement and Support (YES), both inspired by the TIB, formed human chains in 45 areas, reiterating an urgent call for action.
The organisation also condemned the excessive use of force by police during anti-rape protests as well as the Dhaka police chief's suggestion to the media to avoid using the term 'rape'.
The event also emphasised the demand for stakeholders to be involved in reforming the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act.
Addressing the human chain, TIB executive director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said, "It's shameful to acknowledge that while men continue to enjoy the benefits of 54 years of the country's independence, women in Bangladesh are still deprived of their true freedom."
Even in the 'New Bangladesh,' born out of an anti-discrimination movement, women still face discrimination at every level, which contradicts the very spirit of independence and equality in the country, he added.
Through making a controversial comment on the use of the term 'rape', Mr Zaman said the DMP commissioner has virtually sided with the rapist with an eye to protecting him, which is unacceptable.
The Dhaka police chief's comment must be retracted immediately, he stated.
"I urge the media to reject such reprehensible remarks from the police and thoroughly report on incidents of rape and violence against women," asserted Mr Zaman.
At the event, assistant coordinator (outreach and communication) Simum Mousumi Bristy presented a TIB concept paper on preventing violence against women and children.
The paper outlined 11 key recommendations, highlighting the need for swift action to prevent sexual abuse, violence and discrimination.
It called for prompt punishment for perpetrators, support for victims' families and legal reforms to protect women's rights at all levels.
Meanwhile, different human rights and development organisations expressed solidarity at the human chain.
They included the Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), the Association for Land Reform & Development (ALRD), and the Bondhu Social Welfare Society.
ALRD executive director Shamsul Huda, Mohuya Nizam from the MJF and Deepa Malakar from the BLAST, among others, spoke at the programme.
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