The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Leaders of the Dhaka Development Forum (DDF) urged the government to enact a separate law to prevent domestic violence against women.

"Existing family law has proven inadequate to protect women against domestic violence. Because of its rapidly growth, forming separate law for in house women rights protection law is a must," said the President of DDF Dr Mahmudur Rahman.

According to him, one woman in Bangladesh out of two is tortured, either mentally or physically, within her own house. Existing family law cannot protect woman if her close family member tortures her.

"Because of this weakness in existing family law, tears of numerous women remain unseen. This situation is worsening day after day. To unveil those shameful crime against humanity, separate law is a demand of the time," Dr Mahmudur said.

He was addressing a press briefing yesterday, marking International Violence Against Women-2007, from November 25 to December 10.

"According to the UN report, Bangladesh stands second in violation against wife by her husband," said Director DDF Rekha Shah.

Moreover, the same UN report has also revealed that almost 50 to 60 per cent of our women are somehow tortured within her family. Another organisation, One Stop Crisis Center, has revealed, 79 per cent cases of female sexual harassments takes place within her household, she added.

"Domestic violation against women has become a social trend in our society. To control this immoral tendency, separate law is required, protecting the women through adequate punishment," she added.

To mark the International Violence Against Women 2007, different functions have been undertaken in the city. DDF and its collaborating social groups will hold rallies, meetings, cultural activities and many other functions to generate mass awareness of the issue.