BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday alleged that the incidents of rape and violence against women have increased in the country due to the administration’s inaction.
“Why is this situation arising under the current interim government? If the administration had functioned properly, the incidents of rape, murder, injuries and corruption would not have escalated,” he said.
The BNP leader made the remarks while addressing a rally organised by Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal in front of the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office. The rally was held to protest the rape of an eight-year-old girl in Magura and demand the harshest punishment for the rapists.
Rizvi said Achia, hailing from Magura, was violated at her sister’s house. “If a sister's in-laws' house is not a safe place for a child, then where will it be?” he questioned.
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He demanded that the government ensure the quick and exemplary punishment of the perpetrators of the crime against Achia, so that the hearts of other rapists and offenders are filled with fear and trembling.
“If this can be done, it will be the rule of law for which we have fought for 15 years and made countless sacrifices. A terrible ruler like Sheikh Hasina was ousted from this country for the very cause of this rule of law,” Rizvi said.
He called upon all political parties and the students who were involved in the July-August mass uprising to unite and work together to prevent crimes and bring criminals to justice.
The BNP leader emphasised that the administration must function properly to prevent crimes and check the prevailing anarchy in the country.
He said many in the administration had been subjected to deprivation during the previous regime.
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“But, many of you have obtained promotions, even double promotions. The grievance you once had should no longer be there. So, why is not the administrative authority being exercised at the grassroots level, including in unions, wards and thanas? This is a big question now,” Rizvi said.
He reminded that it is the responsibility of the interim government to ensure the proper exercise of the authority by the administration.
Rizvi lamented that the interim government takes any complaints from their party personally. “In some cases, the government tries to take revenge on us very subtly.”
He said the reality now is that the number of rape incidents has increased, and women are not safe anywhere in the country. “If you send your daughter to school, there is no guarantee that she will return home safely,” he said.
Rizvi observed that the police used to assure the public that offenders would not be spared after incidents occurred. “But if the law had been properly enforced before crimes were committed, ensuring the rule of law, such a situation would not have arisen,” he said.
He mentioned that students involved in the Anti-Discrimination Movement have been visiting the offices of DCs, SPs and various ministries. “We are grateful to the students and will not forget their contributions… but if they are giving instructions to the DCs, if they are giving instructions to the SPs, if they are sitting in the rooms of DCs and SPs, how will the law be enforced?”
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Rizvi said that if the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) engage in any wrongdoing, students can protest against it on the campus. “You are supposed to be there on the campus. I urge students to stand against injustice and discrimination here. Your duty is not to supervise the DC’s office, the SP’s room, or various ministries,” he emphasised.