A slew of allegations made through social media have taken Bangladesh by storm, as women, one after another are accusing men in powerful positions of sexually harassing them without any consequence
In a solidarity event that voiced support for female victims of sexual abuse, female journalists have called on women from all spheres to speak up against abusers.
A slew of allegations made through social media have taken Bangladesh by storm, as women, one after another are accusing men in powerful positions of sexually harassing them without any consequence.
Female journalists held a demonstration in front of National Press Club on Friday afternoon, calling the nation to stand by these victims.
Speakers at the event also called on people to stand up to these social crimes against women in their homes, their workplaces and on the streets.
Bangladesh Nari Sangbadik Kendra (centre for women journalists) President Nasimun Ara Haque Minu said: “Allegations against rich, powerful and influential businessmen, journalists, publishers and university teachers have been revealed.
“No matter how talented, no matter how rich or powerful they may be, they cannot get away with this. We have to speak up, otherwise the offenders will continue to get away with their crimes,” she said.
“We have to stand beside and support those who have already spoken up,” she added.
She also said that these protests will continue in future and all female journalists gathered at the event are standing up against abusers.
Minu called on all employers to implement the High Court’s instructions on workplace sexual harassment, adding that this would significantly reduce such incidents.
Women Journalist Forum President Mamtaz Bilkis Banu lauded the Daily Star for addressing allegations raised against their staff.
“We hope that this will be an example for other organizations,” she said.
Bangladesh Women Journalist Forum General Secretary Sharmin Rinvi said many famous personalities had been unmasked by the revelations.
Bangladesh Nari Sangbadik Samity President Nasima Soma said there was no alternative to raising awareness in the family in order to prevent sexual harassment.
Journalist Udia Islam vowed to stand up against those who will try to stifle this social movement.
“This is not a new problem. For ages women and children have lived through these problems. But as conscious parents we cannot keep our children near these assailants. This is a mental disease,” she said.
Speakers called on assailants to publicly apologise and for social organizations to remove them as members.
Courtesy: Dhaka Tribune