Advocate Tarana Halim

Lawmakers, Tarana Halim expressed her solidarity with the campaign. It is the responsibility of everyone to resist repression on women, she said, adding that such repression will continue unabated unless women get recognition for their contribution to the family and society. Speaking at the programme, Home Minister Sahara Khatun said concerted efforts of men and women can Although there are some tough laws against torture of women, they cannot always be enforced properly due to various reasons, she added. The local EU Presidency and the Delegation of the European Commission in a statement expressed their solidarity and support with the continued efforts to combat gender-based violence in Bangladesh. Odhikar held a discussion at the National Press Club with a call to work together to combat violence against women. A study of Odhikar showed that from January 1, 2009 to October 30, 2009 a total of 55 women fell victims to acid violence, 209 women and girls (under 16) were raped, including 4 by law enforcers, and 277 were victims of dowry.