Prevention committee to be put in place in every single educational Institution to combat teasing.

Mass social movement is necessary to put an end to teasing. And this awareness must begin at schools- was the overall observation put forwarded by participants in a discussion titled ‘Our role to prevent teasing’ organized by Ain o Shalish Kendra (ASK).

In a discussion organized by ASK held on 18 May 2010, at the conference hall of National theatre of Shlipakala Academy located in Segunbagicha, three female students described their bitter experiences , and expressed their expectations to the society and the State. In recent days incidents of eveteasing have alarmingly increased. Female students and women workers are in main target. From January till 16th May 2010, 14 female and a father of a victim have committed suicide because of incidents relating to teasing. 18 female have been harassed, and 3 have been murdered for speaking out against teasing.

In the open discussion, emphasis was given to consider the entire situation from a psychosocial point of view. The topic of strengthening a collective resistance and ensuring fast implementation of laws was also discussed. Both the students and teachers agreed upon the importance of creating a platform where the victims would be able to share their experience without any hesitation.

Educations Minister Nurul Islam Nahid, who attended as the chief guest, said “As the minister of Education I believe, when female students fall prey to such harassment this indicates that my whole education family is in peril”. Female students, mothers and sisters are not safe anywhere. This is totally unacceptable. To alleviate this worsening situation and to ensure strict implementation of laws, new law may be passed if necessary. Also, effort must be put to build up public opinion and social resistance. The media must also play a vital role. Every school and educational institution should have a prevention committee. Ethics and morals must be incorporated into every school syllabus.

Special guest IGP Nur Mohammed put emphasis on the importance of creating awareness from within the family. It is not possible to put an end to teasing by relying solely on laws. The practice of family and social values has an important part to play here too. This ‘disease’ can be cured if we break our silence and come forward.

ASK chairperson Dr. Hameeda Hossain, who presided over the discussion, thanked everyone and said it is necessary to build up a social movement alongside the existing laws to fight teasing. She stressed the importance of implementing short term and long term resistance.

Executive Director of ASK, Sultana Kamal initiated the discussion with her welcome speech. Sayeed Ahmed presented the key issues of the discussion. Sultana Kamal and advocate Nina Goswami presented the summary of the discussion. Advocate Sanaiyya Faheem Ansari facilitated the entire discussion. Teachers of different educational Institution of Dhaka, representatives of civil society and government officials participated in the discussion.

May 18, 2010