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BD women demand equality, end to abuse

DHAKA: Hundreds of Bangladeshi women took to the streets of the capital Dhaka on Wednesday calling for an immediate end to what they said was the widespread repression and torture of women.

In a protest organised by several rights groups to mark International Women's Day, the women also called for equal opportunities in the job market and for social security.

The women denounced sexual abuse, as well as trafficking and inhuman and violent behaviour they said women were subjected to as maids and in other work places.

Police said they recorded more than 9,600 cases of "repression" of women and children last year, compared with 6,210 cases the previous year.

"Many such incidents went unrecorded and we want a total stop of these atrocities," leader of the Bangladesh National Women's Lawyers Association, Salma Ali, told Reuters.

Home Minister Mohammed Nasim told reporters on Tuesday the government had enacted a tough law to deal with crime against women and to protect their rights.-Reuters