ZCZC
BSS-57
SPEAKER-PUNISHMENT-RAPIST
Speaker for strict punishment of rapists
DHAKA, Oct 8, 2020 (BSS) – Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury today called for strict punishment of those who are found guilty for rape, as it is a heinous crime.
“It’s necessary to frame more strict laws against rape and ensuring stringent punishment for it, as such a heinous crime is never acceptable,” she said.
The Speaker was speaking at a virtual dialogue titled- ‘Concerted Response to Stop Child Marriage, Prevent Gender Based Violence and Improve Maternal Health During Natural Disaster and Covid-19 pandemic’ under the ‘SPCPD’ project being implemented by the Secretariat of the Parliament with the technical assistance of UNFPA, said a press release.
Dr Shirin said that under the SPCPD project, three sub-committees have been working successfully on issues related to population development such as prevention of child marriage, prevention of maternal and child mortality, youth development, ensuring the rights of adolescents.
It is important to take special measures to provide necessary services to pregnant women in flood prone areas during the global pandemic Covid-19, she added.
Besides, if a woman is abused in a remote area, as part of the National Response Plan, the Upazila Women’s Affairs Officer can play the role of first responder and assist them in obtaining all legal assistance.
She further said awareness is needed to prevent violence against women. By changing the mindset of the male community towards women, violence towards them (women) can be reduced to a great extent.
She continued: supportive role should be played for the empowerment of women by creating a favorable environment for them.
Dr Shirin said scholarships, stipends are being provided for the education of girls, which is working as an incentive to encourage girls to enrol in schools.
The Speaker urged parents not to consider their daughters as a burden but to consider them as an asset. “Girls can be turned into worthy citizens of the country if they are given the chance to attend schools, instead of marrying them off at an early age,” the Speaker added.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain and State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Fazilatunnessa Indira attended the virtual meeting as special guests.
Whip of Jatiya Sangsad MahabubAra Begum Gini, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Government Institutions ASM Feroze, Chairman of the Standing Committee on the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Abdul MatinKhasru and UN Resident Coordinator Mia Seppo and UNFPA Representative Dr. AshaTorkelson also spoke.
BSS/PR/TIT/ARS/2207 hrs