Bangladeshi women protest against rising threats of rape and violence: Video
Women in Bangladesh have taken to the streets to protest against sexual harassment and gender-based violence, as concerns grow over the resurgence of hardline Islamist movements in the country.
Following the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, religious extremist groups that her government had previously suppressed are becoming more vocal and emboldened, with much of their rhetoric targeting women and their choices.
The latest protests in Dhaka were sparked by several high-profile cases of sexual harassment, with demonstrators demanding stronger protections for women. Dhaka University student Jannatul Promi highlighted the pervasive sense of insecurity among young women.
“Since I don't live in the university dorm, I don’t feel safe staying on campus after evening. I constantly worry about how I will get home. Our society has become like this now – women cannot feel safe going out alone at night. And considering the recent incidents we have witnessed, it becomes even harder to feel courageous. Change is absolutely necessary. That’s why we feel that we must continue our movement. That’s why we have boycotted our classes and exams,” she told the AFP.
Maleka Banu, general secretary of Bangladesh Mohila Parishad, the country’s oldest feminist organisation, warned about the growing influence of anti-women forces in society. “At present, we are seeing many anti-women forces gaining a lot of momentum. And they are becoming much bolder. They are attacking women on the streets for many excuses, whether it be mob attacks, personal attacks, silently or openly,” she stated. She also criticised the government’s response, urging authorities to take decisive action rather than merely expressing concern. “You can certainly express concern, but that alone is not enough from the state. Effective measures need to be taken, and a clear message must be sent.”
The rise in extremist activities has led to growing instances of harassment in public spaces. Nishat Tanjim Nera, an anti-rape protester and student, shared a troubling incident she witnessed on public transport. “One day, I saw a man following a girl in the metro. Then the man told the girl, ‘Your dress is not appropriate.’ When I asked him, ‘Who gave you the right to say this?’ he left. I believe that in the present, women are suffering from a lack of security,” she said.
