ED: Zero tolerance for sexual violence

Another day, another rape incident.

A woman in Sylhet was allegedly gang-raped by a group of men on the premises of a hostel campus. There are no words to describe the heinousness of this crime, but unfortunately, it is a crime that continues to occur on a daily basis in Bangladesh.

While students in Sylhet have already taken to the streets demanding justice, this will unfortunately never be enough to end this culture of sexual abuse in Bangladesh. Not until women’s safety is made a priority in this country, and rapists are identified and punished to the fullest extent of the law will there be any semblance of justice.

The very concept of justice is severely lacking, as most often, these rapists are not apprehended altogether due to a failure in reporting the crime or the law enforcement failing to act promptly. Moreover, impunity plays a major part in such rapists being brought to justice, as connections to powerful people have too often resulted in the rapist simply being let off the hook, despite the barbaric crimes.

With regards to the woman raped in Sylhet, it is alleged that there were multiple BCL (Bangladesh Chhatra League) members who were responsible. In the past, we have seen members of the BCL enjoy impunity to do whatever they please. This cannot be allowed to continue, and the authorities must prioritize identifying these criminals and making sure they receive maximum punishment.

Every rape that occurs in Bangladesh is a blow to any development or any progress that the country has achieved. After all, what is the meaning of this progress and development if we are failing to keep women and girls safe.