Staff Correspondent

BNP senior leader Selima Rahman on Monday expressed deep concern that women are not safe in society, stating that a "grand festival of rape" unfolding in Bangladesh, with 11 women and children falling victims to rapists.

“We are witnessing a grand festival of rape across the country with 11 women and children assaulted in the week following the killing of Achia,” she said.

The BNP leader made the remarks at a human-chain programme in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office, organised by the Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal, to demand the trial of those responsible for the rape and murder of eight-year-old Achia in Magura.

Citing newspaper reports, Selima, a BNP Standing Committee member, said 43,000 women, including 7,000 children, were raped in the past four years, yet “no justice has been served for them.”

She questioned what the interim government did do to improve law and order and ensure the safety of women amid the surge in rape incidents.

The BNP leader warned that the government would be unable to restore peace and stability if it fails to improve law and order.

“I would like to tell Dr Yunus that various misleading statements are being circulated. I urge you to become a symbol of peace and establish harmony in Bangladesh by ensuring a fair election,” she said.

Selima said Bangladesh is going through such a critical period that women are no longer safe. “We are now living in a country where women are harassed, abused and raped. No one, from children to elderly women, is safe.”

She condemned those responsible for the brutal rape and murder of eight-year-old Achia in Magura, describing them as inhumane and beastly.

The BNP leader alleged that incidents of rape and violence against women sharply increased during the rule of the fascist Awami League, largely due to the culture of impunity.

“But we rid ourselves of that rule as our students and the masses ousted the fascist regime and forced them to leave the country. Even after that, why does the situation remain so dire that women are unable to live freely?” she asked.

Mentioning the role of women in the Liberation War and various movements, including the July-August mass uprising, Selima bemoaned that women still lack security in the country.

She said although women were subjected to rape, murder and repression, the criminals were never brought to justice during the previous regime.

“But we have now entrusted power to someone we consider a symbol of peace, Dr Yunus. We had hoped that our country would be safe in his hands. Our mothers and sisters would be safe, and we would all be able to speak freely,” the BNP leader said.