In a State of Denial

Photo: Kazi Tahsin Agaz Apurbo

The numbers in rape cases and sexual assaults have dramatically increased over the last few months in Bangladesh. In fact, human rights organisations have come up with alarming numbers in unsolved cases where both women and children have been victimised through rape, molestation, murder and attempted rape and murder. What's all the more frightening is that these women and children are victimised on public transports, on their way to work or school or even at the safety of their very own homes on a regular basis. These news reports have taken the country by outrage and thousands are protesting on the streets of Bangladesh almost every other day. However, the response from the authorities seem to be slow or that of ignorance. Despite the fact that sexual assaults of all kinds do occur right in front of our eyes, why is it that we prefer to remain in a state of denial? Turn to read this week's spotlight.