Ziauddin Liton

Recent incidents of rape have deeply concerned the people of the country. On March 8, 2012, I read in the Daily Ittefaq newspaper (March 7 edition) about a tragic incident where a woman and an adolescent were brutally raped. Another horrifying case occurred on March 7, 2021, in Jaria village of Sreepur Upazila, in Magura district.

A four-years-old child, Achia, a third-grade student, had come to visit her elder sister’s house in Nijnanduli Matpara village, Magura Sadar, during Ramadan and Eid holidays. On Thursday, March 7, her sister's father-in-law, Hitu Sheikh, raped her. According to the child's elder sister, her husband, Sajib Hossain, was also involved, as he opened the door to let his father inside. The sister further stated that her father-in-law had previously attempted to rape her multiple times.

After this appalling incident, outrage spread across the country, especially on social media. In another shocking case in October 2021, a teacher was beaten to death in Khagrachari Sadar Upazila, which led to widespread social unrest. Tensions between the indigenous and Bengali communities escalated, forcing the administration to impose Article 5 to maintain order.

Rape remains a grave social issue in Bangladesh, striking at the core of women's safety, dignity, and human rights. Recent statistics highlight the severity and prevalence of this crime. According to data from the private human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), between September 2020 and September 2022, 5,000 rape cases were reported in the country, among which 2,500 were gang rapes. The highest number of rape cases was recorded at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. These statistics expose the horrifying reality and devastating consequences of rape in our society. Over the last five years, 12 victims were killed after being raped, while 5 others committed suicide due to the trauma.

A significant reason behind the rise in rape cases is the culture of impunity. Criminals continue to commit such heinous crimes because they are not given exemplary punishment. In many cases, proving rape in court is difficult, allowing perpetrators to escape justice, which further deteriorates social security. However, social resistance and protest against rape play a crucial role in demanding justice. Various social organizations, human rights activists, and the general public have been vocal against rape, organizing awareness campaigns, human chains, and media movements to demand swift justice. To combat rape effectively, awareness must be raised at every level of society, laws must be strictly enforced, and judicial processes must be made more transparent and efficient. Ensuring women's safety and dignity is a collective responsibility that must be fulfilled through united efforts.
Rape is a horrific crime that not only destroys the victim’s life but also instills fear and insecurity in society. In Bangladesh and many other countries, rape cases are increasing, but the slow and ineffective judicial system is emboldening criminals. Therefore, it is time to ensure swift and public punishment for rapists.

The existing laws in Bangladesh prescribe life imprisonment or the death penalty for rape. However, delays in the judicial process often lead to prolonged trials, allowing influential individuals to interfere and manipulate cases. This makes it difficult for victims to get justice, as negligence, lengthy investigations, and political or social influence obstruct the legal proceedings. If swift trials and public punishments are ensured, criminals will fear the consequences and think a hundred times before committing such crimes.

Public punishment for rapists would serve as a strong deterrent for future offenders. In some Middle Eastern countries, as well as in North Korea, China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, the rape rate is relatively low due to the enforcement of strict and public penalties. To restore public confidence in the judicial system, swift and effective punishments must be ensured. Public executions or punishments will send a clear message that rapists will not escape justice.

Many rape cases take years to be resolved, causing victims to lose hope before seeing justice. Therefore, fast-tracking the judicial process is essential. Some might argue that public punishment violates human rights. However, the physical and mental suffering of rape victims should take precedence over showing mercy to criminals. Additionally, improving judicial efficiency, ensuring timely investigations, and preventing political interference are crucial. The use of reliable DNA testing and digital forensic methods can help identify criminals quickly, making it easier to administer justice.

If severe crimes like rape are punished swiftly and publicly, discipline will be restored in society, and women will feel safer. To send a strong message to criminals, laws must be strictly enforced, and punishments should be made so severe that no one dares to commit such a heinous act. Now is the time to take firm and effective action to ensure that no girl or woman ever becomes a victim of rape again and that justice prevails in society.

The writer is a. Teacher, Journalist, and Columnist