Males should come forward to prevent sexual violence: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today expressed her government’s firm stance against sexual violence including rape and called upon males of the country to be more vocal, preventing the epidemic of such incidents in the society.

“Will only women be screaming? Males should come forward in this regard,” Hasina made the call will addressing a press conference at her official Gono Bhaban residence in Dhaka this afternoon.

The premier said the government will undertake its necessary measure and even it will compel to go hardline to prevent the spate of the incidents of rape, Hasina said adding that the law enforcement agencies are active to punish the rapists.

Responding to a query over the rape and murder of a seven-year-old girl in Wari of Dhaka, Hasina said, “Those who commit heinous crime like rape are not human being indeed,” the prime minister said adding that the government is taking action rapidly.

Yesterday, nongovernment rights organisation, Manusher Jonno Foundation, revealed that around 399 children were made victim of rape or rape attempt during the first six months of the current year.

Besides, Bangladesh Mohila Parishad today at a press conference said that around 731 children were rapped at the same time.