Dhaka, March 6 | Quickpost News
Misogynistic activities are on the rise in Bangladesh, yet the interim government’s lack of effective measures has fueled growing unease. Recently, a female student at Dhaka University (DU) was sexually harassed by a university employee, only for the accused to be granted bail despite student protests that surrounded Shahbagh Police Station last night. The incident has ignited outrage among students, who see it as a glaring example of authorities’ indifference to women’s safety.
This comes alongside other alarming events. In February, a girls’ football tournament in Cox’s Bazar was canceled due to threats from hardline groups, curbing women’s participation in sports. Meanwhile, last week in Chittagong, an attack targeted a gathering of Hindu women at a temple, spotlighting the increasing violence against minority women. Human rights groups report over 200 incidents of attacks on women and minorities since last year’s mass uprising, with little action from the government to investigate or punish perpetrators.
At DU, students have criticized the lack of coordination between university administration and police, as well as weak law enforcement, leaving female students feeling vulnerable. “We protest on the streets, but nothing changes,” said one student. The United Nations raised concerns about rising violence against women in Bangladesh last October, yet the interim government, led by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has offered no visible response, seemingly preoccupied with elections and reforms.
Rights activists warn that without public awareness campaigns and stricter law enforcement, the situation will worsen. With the government yet to outline a clear plan to tackle misogyny, analysts fear escalating social unrest if these challenges remain unaddressed.
