Leaders of rights groups and academics have expressed concern over the sharp rise in dowry-related violence. They have called for women-friendly laws, such as uniform family code and equal rights to property for women, to eliminate the curse of dowry that is looming large over the country. According to a report by the Bangladesh Mohila Parishad (BMP), a rights group working on gender issues, the number of dowry-related killings, from January to July of this year, was 145. A total of 295 women were killed in dowry-related violence in 2012. The number was 270 in 2011 and 137 in 2010.
Dr Mahbuba Nasreen, professor of sociology at Dhaka University, said a special kind of perception, mindset and attitude influenced people to demand dowry. It is difficult to change such an attitude over a short period of time, she added.
The rights activist observed that many of the victims were underage girls. She said girls, especially in rural areas, were often married off even before they came of age to avoid social stigma. This could be avoided if the state provides social security to such girls, she added.
She also said that sometimes perpetrators of dowry-related violence escape punishment, encouraging others to commit further crimes. If the state ensures proper implementation of laws, as well as social security for girls, it would prevent their parents from giving their daughters away in early marriage and even stop them from giving dowry to their sons-in-law.
Rights activists have cited equal rights to property to consolidate the position of women in society.
They have noted that underprivileged girls should be given more facilities, help and support, so that they could take part in mainstream society and develop themselves. They have also suggested that the state should provide free education to girls to make them financially independent.
Sultana Kamal, executive director of the Ain o Salish Kendro, said violence against women portrayed their vulnerability in society. She referred to the importance of women empowerment in this context. She suggested that social movements should be initiated to spread awareness among ordinary people, students and civil society members in this regard.
Ayesha Khanam, president of the Bangladesh Mohila Parishad (BMP), said that asking for dowry and giving it are equal crimes; so, both parties should be punished. “When a rich man gives expensive gifts to his son-in-law as dowry for her educated and financially independent daughter, it influences other people. But a poor person cannot provide such expensive gifts to the son-in-law. It ultimately brings bad luck for his daughter,” she added.
Advocate Maksuda Akter said: “The mindset and discriminatory laws should change. When the law can’t treat men and women on an equal basis, how could we prevent women falling victim to the curse of dowry?”
She said parents must understand that girls were more concerned about the welfare of their parents. “Given proper education, they would change the family standings and become valuable resource for the country,” she added.
“There is always violence against women. Our first duty is to ensure their security,” she observed.
She also suggested that TV programmes on dowry should be telecast on TV channels, including the BTV, to spread awareness among people.
-With The Independent input
