Bangladesh Catholics form a human chain against abuse of children and women
Dhaka (AsiaNews) - We want "the government in Dhaka to ensure the safety of children and women, because we have recently seen a worrying increase in the sexual abuse and murder of minors. We want to see those who persecute women and children prosecuted and punished. The government should approve laws for their protection,” said Nirmal Rozario, general secretary of the Bangladesh Christians Association (BCA).
As one of about 500 Catholics who yesterday stood in front of the National Press Club in the capital in a human chain to protest against the growing violence against women and children in the country, he spoke to AsiaNews.
According to data by the Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum (BSAF), in the first seven months of the year alone there have been 347 cases or attempts of sexual assault on minors. In 2014, they were 227, 183 in 2013, and 91 the year before. Most of the victims are aged 13 to 18.
In view of the situation, Bangladesh Catholics went public with their concern. To highlight it, the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace of the country (EC-JP), Caritas Bangladesh, and the BCA organised a long human chain.
"Children are the future of our nation,” said EC-JP secretary Fr Albert Thomas Rozario. “Instead, they are becoming victims. There are laws to protect them, but they are not enforced.”
In early August, a 22-year-old Muslim man raped a 12-year-old ethnic Garo Catholic girl. Another girl suffered an even worse fate: her employer tortured and killed her for working for a competitor. Likewise, two boys – 10 and 13 respectively – were beaten to death for allegedly stealing a fish and a van. Sadly, the list goes on with more victims of ill-treatment and abuse.
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