Nusrat Jahan Rafi, a madrasa student who was set on fire, has passed away from this cruel world. The country was shocked to the core after hearing the news about how she had to suffer for not agreeing to withdraw a complaint that she had filed against the principal of her madrasa. The principal had allegedly sexually assaulted the student in the previous month. This is an extremely disturbing case and shows just how “safe” and “empowered” women and girls really are beyond the shining posters of our development.

Sexual harassment is a daily reality in our country, although few cases are reported, and fewer still manage to attract public attention. The most horrifying part of the Nusrat incident is the alleged involvement of other female students in setting her on fire. The whole thing should be investigated properly and all the perpetrators should be brought to justice as soon as possible. Finally, I would like to thank the media for covering the incident with due seriousness and creating the pressure on the authorities to act.