Different cultural organisations in Cox’s Bazar organised a protest rally, condemning incidents of child abuse, rape, and killings taking place across the country.
Speakers at the program expressed deep concern over the erosion of human values, the culture of impunity, and the growing insecurity facing women and children.
They said incidents of child abuse, sexual violence against children in madrasas and other educational institutions, rape and killings of women and children were increasing alarmingly, while many perpetrators continued to evade justice.
The speakers noted that ensuring the safety of women and children was one of the fundamental responsibilities of a civilised state.
However, the current rise in abuse, rape and murder cases had become a matter of grave concern.
They particularly criticised incidents of sexual abuse in madrasas and educational institutions, saying such crimes had deeply shaken the social conscience.
They demanded the immediate arrest of those involved and exemplary punishment through a speedy and effective judicial process.
The protest programme was presided over by Khorshed Alam, president of Satyen Sen Shilpigosthi, and moderated by cultural activist Sayantan Bhattacharjee.
Leaders of various cultural, social and professional organisations expressed solidarity at the event.
Among others, speakers included Ashraful Huda Siddiqui Jamshed, president of Jhinukmala Khelaghar Asar and a cultural organiser; Subimal Pal Panna, president of the district Khelaghar; Supreme Court lawyer Jesan Sayeed; Ipsita Chakraborty, lecturer at Cox’s Bazar City College; journalist Nupa Alam; Monir Mobarak, general secretary of Satyen Sen Shilpigosthi; Sourav Deb, general secretary of the district unit of Udichi Shilpigosthi; and Priya Dutta, president of Srijon Sangeet Bhubon.
The speakers also stressed that merely enacting laws was not enough unless their proper implementation was ensured.
They urged families, educational institutions, social organisations and the state to work together to protect women and children.
They further emphasised the need to raise social awareness, promote moral education and strengthen cultural movements to build resistance against violence and abuse.
Cultural activists attending the rally displayed protest slogans and called for stronger social resistance against violence against women and children.
The program concluded with a performance of a protest song.
Leaders of different cultural organisations, activists, teachers, students, and conscious citizens of Cox’s Bazar were present at the event.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
