Violence against women and children is increasingly prevalent in the country, raising concerns about the erosion of moral values and the rise of savagery in society. It is evident that moral education cannot solely be taught through textbooks but must be actively practiced by families, educators, society, and the nation at large.
While physical crimes receive significant attention, the alarming trend of crimes in digital spaces is often overlooked. Online activities such as public threats, social media exposure, dissemination of false information, cyberbullying, and sexual harassment contribute to destructive behaviors and escalate criminal activities.
The prevailing negative attitudes towards women and children are evident in social media comments, highlighting the urgent need for a societal mindset shift in both physical and cyber realms. Emulating successful models from other countries like Europe and Australia, Bangladesh could consider implementing an eSafety, Privacy, and Defamation Regulation (EPDR) framework to safeguard individuals from online harm, data misuse, and reputational harm.
Data from Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) reveals a grim reality in Bangladesh, with a significant number of children falling victim to rape and murder. The low conviction rates under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act 2000 contribute to a lack of public trust in the legal system. The scarcity of DNA testing facilities further complicates investigations into cases of sexual harassment, leading to delays in the judicial process.
Drawing from child protection practices in Australia, implementing a mandatory “Working with Children Check” system for individuals interacting with children could enhance safety measures. Similarly, creating a public sex offender database akin to the model in the United States could aid in reducing violent incidents against women and children in Bangladesh.
Addressing violence against women and children necessitates a multi-faceted approach involving families, educational institutions, society, and governmental bodies. Combining stringent law enforcement with moral education, digital literacy, child protection mechanisms, and expeditious legal procedures is crucial. Adopting practical and technology-driven measures based on successful international practices is imperative for Bangladesh to combat this humanitarian and moral crisis effectively.