In the wake of significant violence against children, rights campaigners yesterday proposed the formation of a separate court to deal with child sexual harassment.
They also proposed the inclusion of third gender persons, boys, and adults, in formulating sexual harassment prevention policies since such cases remain largely ignored.
Speakers made these proposals at a consultative meeting on draft Comprehensive ‘Sexual Harassment Prevention and Protection Law 2019’ and its handing over ceremony organized by Parliamentarian Caucus on Child Rights and National Girl Child Advocacy Forum (NGCAF) at IPD auditorium of Media Centre in National Parliament.
At the discussion event, Wahida Banu, executive director of Aparajeyo-Bangladesh recommended for a separate child court where the environment would be only children friendly. The proposal was echoed by other discussants too.
Ain O ShalishKendro Executive Director Sheepa Hafiza moderated the discussion, which was presided over by Md Shamsul Haque Tuku, chairman of Parliamentarian Caucus on Child Rights.
Sheepa Hafiza said: “If we include the issues of third gender the law will be long term. We should add the terms for online sexual harassment.”
Abul Kalam Md. Ahasanul Hoque Chowdhury, lawmaker from Rangpur 2 constituency recommended authorities to see if harassment and rape of boy or male persons can be included in the law.
ShabnaazZahereen, Child Protection Specialist of UNICEF Bangladesh asked for especial magistrate court for children where the interest of children will be the only priority.
Deputy speaker Fazle Rabbi Miah said it is just a beginning and asked for cooperation from all sides to move the issue forward.
About 25 lawmakers from different constituencies were present among others.
