Published: 16 March 2025
Recent incidents of rape and violence against women and children in Bangladesh have sparked nationwide outrage, demanding urgent action. To push the government for stronger measures and protest these heinous crimes, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) organized a human chain on Sunday in front of the National Parliament in Dhaka, alongside demonstrations in 45 regions across the country. TIB’s youth volunteers, citizen groups, and various human rights and development organizations actively joined the protests, amplifying the call for justice. During the demonstrations, TIB presented 11 key recommendations, stressing the urgent need for preventive measures, strict legal actions against perpetrators, expedited trials, and comprehensive support for victims and their families. The protests reinforced the demand for systemic reforms and civic pressure to hold authorities accountable in ensuring justice and the protection of women’s rights at all levels.
Stop Siding with Rapists
TIB strongly criticized the excessive use of force by police against anti-rape protesters and condemned a police official’s suggestion to the media to avoid the term “rape.” Speaking at the human chain, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman denounced such actions, stating, “Through this, the DMP Commissioner has sided with the rapist and engaged in the act to protect him, which is unacceptable. His comments must be retracted immediately. I urge the media to reject such reprehensible remarks from the police and to thoroughly report on incidents of rape and violence against women.” He demanded the immediate retraction of the DMP Commissioner's remarks and called on the media to continue reporting cases of sexual violence. “Crime is crime, and covering it up reflects an ‘ostrich syndrome’ mentality. Additionally, the police’s excessive use of force and lack of tolerance in the anti-rape protests reflect authoritarian practices. The police must refrain from such actions,” he added.
Dr. Zaman also urged all political parties, particularly those from the anti-discrimination movement, to clarify their stance on women’s rights. He called on religiously affiliated parties to reject discriminatory practices rooted in misinterpretation or bigotry.
CCCs Mobilize Nationwide: TIB Demands Swift Justice
At the grassroots level, an unprecedented 4,000 citizens joined Committees of Concerned Citizens (CCCs) in human chains across Bangladesh on March 16, demanding an end to violence against women and children.
These demonstrations brought together YES and ACG members, students, teachers, journalists, and civil society representatives in a unified call for justice and institutional change. TIB remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring women’s and children’s rights, vowing not to rest until Bangladesh is a country where all can live free from fear and violence.
