Ain o Salish Kendra strongly protests over the Shipping Minister’s remarks on the sexual harassment of women during Pahela Baishakh celebrations in Dhaka University campus on 2015.

It has been reported by the media that Shajahan Khan, while addressing a programme titled ‘Celebration of Struggling Women’ which was arranged by private organisation ‘Natundhara’ at the University of Dhaka to mark the International Women’s Day on 8 March 2016, described the Pahela Baishakh incident as an insignificant one.

According to media reports, the minister said: “Many people come out on the street on Pahela Baishakh. In a country of crore people, Dhaka city has around two crore residents. What happened on that day that was newsworthy? A trivial incident could occur but this is inconsequential among this large number of people.” He also said: “Graver and more horrible incidents take place in developed countries.”

Women were sexually harassed in University of Dhaka and Chankharpul areas during last year’s Pahela Baishakh celebrations. Almost a year has passed but the perpetrators are yet to be identified and brought to book.

We think, women were subjected to harassment because of a lack of active and preventive measures on the part of the law enforcement agencies. The minister’s comments could not only negatively affect women’s freedom of movement in the society but could also pave the way for the offenders to enjoy impunity.

Ain o Salish Kendra strongly calls on the authorities concerned to ensure that quick steps are taken for holding the trial of Pahela Baishakh incident. We also demand that public representatives play a responsible role while commenting on such condemnable acts.