Says ASF report
Some 153 people fell victim to acid attacks in 2010 across the country, according to a report by Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF).
The number stood at 150 in 2009 after fewer acid attacks in the preceding seven years, it says. ASF data also revealed that the year 2002 saw the highest number of acid victims — 490.
ASF yesterday held a news conference at the Jatiya Press Club in the city to disclose the record.
ASF executive director Manira Rahman said that on the whole, counts of violence against women have increased in 2010 and it is alarming that the number of acid victims has also risen.
The main reason behind acid attacks is land dispute, a cause that has decreased in 2010, said Manira. But attacks for refusing marriage proposals or sexual relationship have increased by 22 percent, she said.
Manira suggests that mass awareness and people’s movement be imperative to combat acid violence.
