Bangladesh: Protesters Set Fire to Home Advisor's Effigy, Seek Resignation Over Controversial Comments
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Synopsis
In Dhaka, protests have surged against Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury due to his insensitive remarks about women. Demonstrators are demanding his resignation after he downplayed the harassment of two women in public, leading to widespread public outrage and a call for action against rising violence.
Key Takeaways
- Protests erupted in Dhaka over Home Advisor's remarks.
- Chowdhury is criticized for insensitivity towards women.
- Protesters demand his immediate resignation.
- Incidents of crime are reportedly increasing in Bangladesh.
- Public outrage has reached new heights.
Dhaka, March 4 (NationPress) Bangladesh is experiencing a renewed wave of protests as Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, the Home Affairs Advisor in the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus, comes under fire for making offensive remarks about women in the nation.
A collective of demonstrators, rallying under the banner of 'Bangladesh against rape and oppression', set fire to an effigy of Chowdhury on Tuesday, calling for his resignation after his controversial comments regarding the harassment of two young women for smoking in public at Dhaka's Lalmatia.
The demonstrators assembled at the location of the incident and subsequently marched towards the parliament building, insisting on Chowdhury's immediate exit from the Yunus-led interim government, according to local news outlets.
Previously, when questioned by local reporters about the physical assault on the two young women, the Home Advisor remarked, 'As far as I know, the women were smoking, and some people heading to prayers objected. This led to tea being thrown at them.'
He further indicated that public smoking is prohibited for both genders and urged people to avoid smoking in open areas. These statements have sparked widespread public outrage across the nation.
The demonstrators, charging the Home Advisor with incompetence, claimed that incidents of rape, murder, mob violence, and moral policing are on the rise throughout Bangladesh, as reported by the prominent Bangladeshi publication, The Daily Star.
According to the protesters, despite numerous outcries, there has been no enhancement in the law and order situation, which is further deteriorating with no actions taken against the perpetrators of crime.
The protesters carried banners with messages such as 'Stop slut-shaming!', 'Laws for women, but where is the law for men?', and 'Ensure safety or step down!'
'We protested against the ongoing rape and repression and marched towards the Home Ministry. Yet, the police -- who fail to apprehend rapists, control mobs, or catch thieves -- obstructed our procession,' a protestor recounted to the newspaper.
'Some of our protesters were injured as a result. We later organized a torch procession, giving the Home Advisor a 24-hour ultimatum to resign and apologize. He has failed to do so. Now, he must be removed,' he added.
Another protestor, echoing the demand for resignation, accused the Home Advisor of 'inciting the mob' with his comments.
On Saturday, two young women in Dhaka faced physical harassment from a group of men for smoking at a roadside tea stall. The two girls were surrounded by a mob and subjected to harassment.
The girls were slapped and punched by 10-12 men, who also filmed the incident, which subsequently went viral on social media.
