The act of violence against women are rampant in Bangladesh now. The latest victim of the abrupt growth of this abominable crime is Rumi, an intermediate 2nd year student of Chittagong. Being continuously teased and humiliated by two local boys -- Azam and Nazim, Rumi was forced to commit suicide by hanging herself on August 1.

Verbal abuse and sexual harassment has become the cause of death for many helpless girls in the country who committed suicide after being teased or chased by perverted men. For such criminal activities the constitution should have laws for punishing the criminals who are responsible for such terrible consequences. Unfortunately we don't have any such law. Verbal abuses and obscene gestures aimed at woman are no crime in Bangladesh. The government in power out of sheer lack of sensitivity and understanding has amended the 'Woman and Children Repression Prevention Act 2000' decriminalising these abominable acts. When government should enact tough laws and ensure the enforcement for prevention of any kind of repression against women, it is playing inadvertently with this serious issue.

Then what's going to happen with the Rumi case? Rumi's mother strongly demanded punishment for criminals who forced her to die. Will they ever be punished? Rumi killed herself in search of freedom, before death, she wrote, "I do not know when I will taste freedom; when will it be the end to all my miseries and sufferings. I suspect I will not live to see it." How many Simi, Trisha and Rumis have to choose this way of self-immolation before their real freedom is ensured in society? Is there no authority in Bangladesh to ensure their safety and freedom by taking whatever steps necessary before it is too late?

Md Rezaul Karim , Department of Law, DU