‘Ensure our safety’: Showbiz stars speak out
Questions surrounding the safety and security of women in Bangladesh have long been a matter of concern. However, the recent onslaught of gender-based violence (GBV) incidents has once again highlighted the alarming rise in brutality against women and, by extension, children. Cases of sexual violence, including those against children, have left society outraged.
The recent incident of the rape of eight-year-old Asiya, being abused by her relatives, has left the entire country shocked. Some of the prominent Bangladeshi artistes have shared their deep concern over these horrifying incidents, calling for justice, stricter punishments, and a fundamental shift in societal attitudes.
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Fahmida Nabi
"Women are being subjected to rape in various places, including the case of little Asiya. I firmly believe such heinous crimes must be punished with exemplary punishment—strict and unavoidable. The fact that perpetrators often escape justice only emboldens them to commit more crimes. Our primary focus should be ensuring that criminals are punished completely.
The eight-year-old child was visiting her sister's home, yet she was not safe. Similar incidents are happening almost everywhere. Where is the safety for women and girls? Why are we so helpless? When will this end? In 2025, what will we tell the world about our progress? We demand safety for all women."
Mousumi Hamid
"Can you imagine an eight-year-old child being raped? I can't even bear to log into social media nowadays—whenever I do, I come across news of murder and rape, which makes me feel ill. We talk so much about women's empowerment, yet monsters swoop in and attack women whenever they get the chance.
What causes this mentality? Where are we headed as a society? Have we deteriorated this much? Why can't we be more humane, more compassionate? If a woman isn't even safe inside a car in the city, then where can she feel secure? This is a reflection of our society's decay.
Even children are not spared from these predators. How do we accept this? These criminals are worse than animals, and wild animals are not capable of such viciousness. I don't believe that our society was always like this! What has happened now? There has been a severe psychological degradation in people. We all want to live in a safe society. We don't want to hear 'someone has been raped' anymore."
Apu Biswas
"A woman should be seen first and foremost as a human being—a mother, a sister, a wife. Even rapists are born to mothers—do they not have even this basic sense? The little girl Asiya is not even old enough to be considered a woman. I am at a loss for words on how to acknowledge this horror. We demand safety for all women. The incident is extremely disturbing. However, she is just one example—there are many more like her. The fact that we even have to talk about this is heartbreaking. Why should such incidents happen at all? We want to see and hear about positive societal changes, not horrific tragedies."
Tanzika Amin
"I recently received an award during an event on the occasion of International Women's Day, and there I mentioned that celebrating Women's Day feels pointless in a country where eight-year-old girls are raped, and where women's bodies are openly discussed and criticised. What could be more painful than this? Previously, I never heard people openly commenting on women's physical attributes. Now, it happens in the streets. Who knows when someone will physically harass us? Why has the situation deteriorated to this extent? We, as women, are terrified. When will we be free from this fear?
Those in positions of power who make big statements should take a hard look at our current situation. The degradation of morality and humanity has hit rock bottom. They need to find a solution—urgently! If we respect and uphold women's dignity, our society and country will flourish."
Deepa Khandakar
"Above all, I am a human being—only then comes my gender. What is happening to women today is unacceptable. This applies to little girl Asiya alongside all other women who have faced such horrors.
Some people say, 'Let Asiya survive.' I say—she is already dead. Even if she survives, she would still be branded as a victim, stripped of her innocence through no fault of her own.
Another thing—why should anyone dictate what a woman should wear? Who gave them that right? A woman can wear jeans, a tee-shirt, Western clothes, or a saree, she will wear whatever she chooses to wear. Have women ever questioned men about wearing lungis? Has any woman ever dictated a man's clothing choices? Then why do men feel entitled to control women's attire?
It is time to change this mindset. We need to move beyond these toxic attitudes and work towards a society where women are respected, valued, and, most importantly, safe."
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