Expressing deep concern over the rape of a 25-year-old woman in Muradnagar upazila of Cumilla district, Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) demanded speedy trial and maximum punishment of all involved in the crime.

Although a number of accused have been arrested, MJF, which promotes human rights and governance, vehemently condemned the inhumane and reprehensible act of filming and circulating videos of such brutal crimes on social media, said a press release issued on Sunday.

It also strongly condemns the horrific incident as the perpetrators violated the woman after breaking open the door of her house.

Recording and spreading the footage of rape constitutes a second assault on the survivor, causing severe damage to her psychological and social well-being and is itself a punishable offence, it said.

Such acts only fuel a culture of violence and the MJF urged all citizens to refrain from such cruelty.

From January to May of this year alone, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) reported 383 rape incidents, among which no case was filed in at least 71 incidents, the release added.

Besides, more than half of the victims among all – 196 cases – were girl children under the age of 18, which is shocking.

MJF is deeply alarmed by the rising trend of violence against women and calls on the interim government to take more proactive legal measures.

Effective enforcement of existing laws, increased public awareness and collective efforts to strengthen social values are essential to combat gender-based violence.

MJF also urged the interim government to ensure all necessary support for the survivor in Muradnagar for her full recovery and reintegration into normal life.

Manusher Jonno Foundation firmly believes that such heinous crimes severely disrupt social stability and gravely violate women’s safety and dignity.

Justice must be served by uncovering the truth and ensuring exemplary punishment for the perpetrators.

The 25-year-old woman was raped at Ramchandrapur Panchkitta village in Muradnagar upazila of Cumilla on the night of June 26.

Police arrested the prime accused identified as Fazar Ali Fazar, 36, son of Shahid Mia of Bahechar (Purbo Para) village in Muradnagar upazila of Cumilla, from Dhaka’s Sutrapur area early Sunday.