Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu on Saturday said that building strong family bonds and raising children as responsible human beings is essential to preventing violence against women and children.
He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled ‘Protection under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act: Challenges and Remedies', which was organised by the Rajshahi Range DIG Office at a city hotel.
Recalling Rajshahi’s past reputation for strong social cohesion, the minister said, “the region was once known for its tight-knit community bonds and was regarded as one of the happiest places.”
He said that over the past two decades, the situation has deteriorated due to the spread of drugs and the influence of certain criminal elements.
Issuing a warning, Minu added, “those involved in terrorism, drug trafficking, and abuse of women and children are enemies of the nation," and vowed that there would be no compromise in taking action against them. He also urged collective efforts to ensure a safe and peaceful Rajshahi.”
Mohammad Shahjahan, the Rajshahi Range DIG, presided over the programme. Keynote papers at the seminar were presented by Additional Superintendent of Police Mahmuda Sharmin Nely of the Rajshahi Range DIG Office and Professor Dr Harunur Rashid of the Department of Islamic History and Culture at Rajshahi University.
Advocate Mohammad Shafiqul Haque Milan, MP; Md Fazle Huda, MP; Divisional Commissioner Dr A.N.M. Bazlur Rashid; Senior District and Sessions Judge A.H.M. Mahmudur Rahman; Judge Sharmin Akter of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal-1; and RMP Commissioner Mohammad Foyezul Kabir were present as special guests.
Senior government officials, representatives of private organisations and NGOs, and media personnel also attended the seminar.
Speakers at the event stressed the need for strict enforcement of existing laws and speedy trials to effectively prevent violence against women and children.
