Experts at Sir Salimullah Medical College Call for Collective Action Against Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Harassment
Photo Collected
Speakers at a seminar in Dhaka emphasized that deep-rooted gender inequality remains a primary driver of violence against women and children in Bangladesh. The event, held Monday at the Sir Salimullah Medical College and Hospital auditorium, called for urgent collective action to combat sexual harassment and ensure the protection of children’s rights.
Organized by the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad in collaboration with Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital, the discussion was themed “Keep Childhood Protected.” Participants highlighted the alarming frequency of sexual harassment faced by students and women across various professional sectors, both online and in physical spaces.
Dr. Nazmun Nahar Rozi, Associate Professor of Forensic Medicine at Sir Salimullah Medical College, underscored the persistent nature of these threats. She noted that women and children frequently encounter unwanted physical contact and harassment in public spaces. Dr. Rozi urged students to prioritize self-defense, maintain a high level of vigilance, and actively resist and report incidents of abuse.
Rekha Saha, Central Legal Aid Editor of the organization, provided historical context, referencing August 24, which is observed annually as the Day for the Prevention of Violence Against Women. This day commemorates the 1995 gang rape and murder of a teenager named Yasmin by police in the Dashmail area of Dinajpur, an incident that triggered nationwide social protests. Saha argued that gender-based discrimination begins early in the socialization process, and she called upon the younger generation to take a lead role in advocating for human rights and gender-sensitive social structures.
Presiding over the meeting, Masuda Rehana Begum, Joint General Secretary of the organization, called for rigorous judicial accountability for perpetrators of harassment at the family, societal, and state levels. She noted that the collaboration between the medical college and the organization marks a significant step toward creating a safer environment for women and children.
The event, moderated by medical students Tanjila Jahan Ikra and Asifa Zaman Anchol, was attended by 62 individuals, including faculty, students, and leaders from the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. The session concluded with a formal appeal to prioritize the safety of children and eradicate sexual exploitation through institutional and grassroots cooperation.
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