I see for the last couple of years that, the law enforcement authorities impose a cut-off time on celebrations of Pahela Boishakh in an attempt to provide secured atmosphere during Pahela Boishakh celebration, especially for women. At first, the restriction was imposed after sexual assault of several women on Pahela Boishakh four years back.
It’s very disturbing to me that, pictures of assaulting girls or ripping off their clothing in broad daylight are often surfaced all over social media but most of the perpetrators remain out of touch, despite their photos being widely circulated.
I think the lack of initiative from the law enforcement agencies especially in the case of sexual harassment and assault is a major problem which is almost impossible in the western countries. In contrary, such cases of sexual assault and harassment in Bangladesh are usually treated with a pinch of salt and peppered with notes of victim blaming.
I do hope this trend will end. The women will get their deserved honour.
Maliha Akhtar
Minnesota, USA
