Rapists have no political identity, offenders will face law: Shama Obaed
She said the government remains committed to ensuring women’s empowerment and gender equality, adding that steps will be taken to expedite justice in cases related to gender-based violence, rape, abuse against women and trafficking of women and children.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam yesterday (8 March) said perpetrators of violence against women have no political identity, asserting that the government will ensure justice under existing laws regardless of the offender's political affiliation.
"Whenever the question of bringing a rapist to justice arises, there is often an attempt to attach a political identity to the accused. The BNP government believes that a rapist does not belong to any political party. He has only one identity -- he is a criminal," Shama Obaed said at a programme organised at the National Press Club marking International Women's Day.
She said the government remains committed to ensuring women's empowerment and gender equality, adding that steps will be taken to expedite justice in cases related to gender-based violence, rape, abuse against women and trafficking of women and children. Pending rape cases in courts will also be resolved swiftly.
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The state minister said the government will continue its efforts to ensure protection for Rohingya women and children who have taken refuge in Bangladesh after facing persecution, until they can safely return to their homeland.
Highlighting women's representation in global diplomacy, she said women will be placed at the forefront in diplomatic forums, including those under the United Nations. "In workplaces, a woman often has to work twice as hard as a man to prove her competence. The government will do everything possible to ensure that women receive due recognition for their efforts."
Referring to the low participation of women in the media sector, Shama said women account for less than 10 percent of the country's media workforce and remain underrepresented in decision-making positions. The government will soon start initiatives to ensure safety for women in the media and review the Cyber Security Act for journalists.
The programme was chaired by National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz. Among others, Press Club General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan, Management Committee Member Syed Abdal Ahmed and Sports Subcommittee Convener Shahnaz Begum Poly were present.
At the event, veteran journalist Momtaz Bilkis Banu was honoured by the National Press Club for her contributions.
