Human Rights of Bangladesh Women
Kazi Shamsum Alam (Bangladesh)
The People's Republic of Bangladesh, since its inception in 1971, has worked for theimprovement of women's human rights. Ironically despite many positive steps taken,
the situation has yet to reach the desired standard. Women's human rights deteriorated
during the War of Liberation as the occupation forces engaged in rape, sexual abuse andtorture of women. Earlier women were often perceived as second-class citizen. Presently,
the situation has changed dramatically. However, the main impediments to furtherchange is illiteracy and social endowment. Adequate steps have been taken atgovernment level to improve the situation and the result is evident.
Rape is a social immorality that hurts women of our society very much. A study by a
Human Right Organization “ODHIKER” indicated a total of 4,195 women and children
fell prey to rape throughout the country from 2000 to 2004. Out of this figure, 467
victims were killed after rape and 45 victims committed suicide after rape. However, at
the government level, efforts are being made to put the culprits behind bars and bringthem to justice. This is one of the heinous crimes that really needs attention socially.
Due to illiteracy and social dogma, many rapes are not reported. In a male dominatedsocial system, a raped women does not have a healthy future This is why many cases
remain unreported.
Dowry is one of the social evils. Over a period of 4 years since 2000 almost 740 women
were killed and 65 others committed suicide over dowries. 283 women suffered fromdowry related violence. This is increasing daily despite government enactment of laws
for protection of women from dowry related cases. Mass awareness programmes canbring results.
Acid violence is one the worst crimes committed against women. Victims have often
found themselves abandoned. Approximately 300 cases occur yearly. A study reflectsthat nearly 2000 women suffered acid violence since 1999. Despite enactment of law
and quick trial procedure such incidents are increasing alarmingly because existinglaws cannot be ensured. Good governance and justice is bearing positive fruit. Inaddition, mass awareness to put an end to acid violence is a dire necessity.
Almost half of our population is women. They were deprived of their equal share andrepresentation in national and social affairs. Women were also unaware of their basic

rights due to their lack of knowledge and illiteracy. They became victims of socialdiscrimination. Although the status of women is low, at present, there are signs ofimprovement.
Women's contribution in the economic sector, if evaluated properly, should reflect a
definite improvement in participation. Now women are entering into economic activities
through micro credit investment and garment sectors. A comparative study will show
very encouraging results.
Approximately 23 million women or 38% of the population of 15 years old are
economically solvent today. In 1981, the figure was 1.5 million or 5.7%. This is reallyworth mentioning. The comparison may mislead the reader if the rate of population
growth rate, improvement of education ratio and employment opportunity are not taken
into account.
The overall situation is improving at a slower rate. For example, women'sparticipation in the defense forces was limited to the medical branch. Only now, women
have also entered other branches of Army and Navy and Air force through the officer
corps. Women are also working in the civil aviation department as commercial pilots.
The rate of their participation in banking, Medicare, administrative jobs, executive andjudiciary departments as well as other government positions is also noticeable.
Illiteracy has also been identified as a major cause of human right deprivation. At thesame time, the government has made a major breakthrough in the education sector.
Government completely subsidize educational expenses for girls up to college level. Asociety that has come through different ideological system historically cannot be
overturned in one day. Many government and non-government organizations areworking to establish human rights for the women. If the ongoing jointly process will
help, women to suffer decreasingly from human right discrimination. Finally we live inan Asian society that differs from western society ideologically, philosophically andvalue wise. Therefore, the human rights situation also has to be judged from thisperspective.