Young Women for Development, Rights and Climate (YWDRC) organized a protest meeting expressing deep concern and outrage over a serious incident of violence against a young woman in Pangsha, Rajbari.
According to the survivor’s account, on the afternoon of March 30, she had gone to a relative’s house in Pangsha. While returning, she was waiting for a bus at the Moshala bus stand when a white microbus stopped in front of her. At that time, a person known to her requested her to get into the vehicle and eventually forced her into it. Several other individuals were also present in the vehicle.
Subsequently, she was subjected to severe physical and mental abuse inside the moving vehicle. According to her statement, multiple individuals assaulted her by threatening and intimidating her. Later, she was abandoned in a deserted area in Kumarkhali, Kushtia. As a result of this incident, she suffered serious physical harm and reported the loss of her unborn child.
The meeting was chaired by the Executive Chairperson of the organization, Nusrat Sultana Afroj. She stated, “Such brutal violence is a deep disgrace for our society. To ensure women’s safety, the state and law enforcement agencies must take more effective action. The perpetrators must be arrested promptly and brought to exemplary justice.”
Saheda Wahab, a member of the organization, said, “This incident is not only violence against a woman; it is an attack on human values. We demand an impartial investigation and maximum legal support for the survivor.”
Selina Khatun stated, “Women’s safety is now under serious threat. We demand special measures to ensure speedy justice and to strengthen protection and rehabilitation for survivors.”
The speakers further emphasized that a proper investigation must be conducted and all actual perpetrators must be arrested and brought under the law. They also urged the concerned authorities to ensure medical treatment, psychological support, and security for the survivor.
The meeting placed the following demands:
1. Immediate arrest of all perpetrators involved and exemplary punishment.
2. Ensuring a fair and speedy investigation.
3. Guaranteeing medical treatment, security, and psychological support for the survivor.
4. Taking effective measures to prevent violence against women and ensuring proper enforcement of laws.
Other members of the organization and human rights activists were also present at the meeting and expressed their solidarity.
The speakers concluded by saying, “Everyone must unite against violence against women. Otherwise, this society will never be safe.”
