Tomorrow is the International Rural Women's Day. To observe the day, the National Committee on the Observation of the International Rural Women’s Day organized this press conference today at the National Press Club.
According to the organizers, child sexual abuse /rape is increasing at an alarming rate. In the first six months of this year, reports of sexual abuse and rape of children are similar to the incidents of the past year. In most cases, children have been abused by relatives, close relatives or neighbors. Speakers suggested that cases of child sexual abuse / rape should be tried in a speedy trial tribunal, otherwise it would not be possible to reduce the crime.
The press conference was moderated the Ferdous Ara Rumee, secretariat coordinator of the National Committee while Tamanna Rahman, member of the committee, presented the keynote. Chairperson of the National Committee, Shamima Akhter, presided over the press conference while Prof. Momtaz Begum, Chair of the National Women's Organization (Jatiyo Mahila Sanstha) was present as the Chief Guest.
Tamanna Rahman said in the last six months, 572 children have been raped and sexually assaulted across the country. Twenty-three children, including a boy child, were killed after the rape. The numbers were compiled based on news reports from various media. Research shows that about 75 percent of children are sexually harassed by family, friends or relatives. Most cases of child sexual abuse occur at home, to relatives or family friends, to school or to school, and to familiar surroundings. Generally, children of lower households are more likely to be victims of sexual abuse.
Mahbub Alam Firoz, member of the National Committee, Syada Shamima Sultana, Secretary of the Dhaka District committee, Badrul Alam, president of Bangladesh Krishak Federation and Mustafa Kamal Akanda, Coordinator, EquityBD also spoke at the press conference.
On behalf of the organizers, Ferdous Ara Rumee informed that International Rural Women's Day is being celebrated in more than 50 districts of the country. Like every year, the day is being celebrated across the country through various programs including rallies, seminars, human bonds, organizing fairs and honoring rural women for their contribution in various fields.
They also said that since 2000 in Bangladesh, various voluntary and development organizations (NGOs) have been celebrating Rural Women's Day with their own financing. It should be noted that EquityBD serves as the secretariat of the National Committee for International Rural Women's Day Celebration.