Violence against women still rising in Bangladesh

(Aug.31,2010) Activists say that the rate of violence against women in Bangladesh is among the world’s highest and rising. “Violence against women is increasing day by day, as a result of family disputes, dowry system and eve teasing,” said Rosaline Costa, from Hotline Human Rights Bangladesh, a Church-based human rights organization. “Every day 17 out of 100 women become victims of violence at home or in the workplace and 25% of them die”, Costa explained. “Although people are more aware of the issues because of the media, poor law enforcement and male dominance are major barriers to preventing violence against women,” Costa told ucanews during the National Day of Prevention of Violence against Women on Aug. 24.
The nation has observed the event, which is also known as “Yeasmin Day,” since 1996 to commemorate the brutal rape and killing of a 14-year-old garment worker Yeasmin, by three policemen in northwestern Dinajpur district. Yeasmin, a Muslim girl, was on her way home from work in Dhaka when she was molested, killed and her body abandoned beside the road. Three accused were arrested and brought to trial in Sept. 1996. All initially received life sentences. However, they were later sentenced to death in 2004.