A young student drawing a picture to protest the abuse of women and children in front of Khelaghar Ashor’s human chain yesterday. Photo: Anisur Rahman

Khelaghar Ashor, an organisation for children, yesterday demanded exemplary punishment for perpetrators of rape, murder and violence targeting women and children.

Over 100 leaders and activists of the organisation formed a human chain in front of Jatiya Press Club to press home their demand.

In her speech, the organisation’s chairperson Prof Mahfuza Khanam said incidents of rape, murder and violence are increasing day by day as perpetrators are not brought to book.

“We want proper initiatives by the government to put an end to this both at home and outside, and thus, the country will be safe for all,” she said.

She also said that many children are being forced to work due to acute poverty.

“The government should introduce specific policies to ensure a healthy and humane environment for them [children],” she added.

Khelaghar’s presidium member Dr Lenin Chowdhury said that influential quarters in remote parts of the country often give shelter to culprits. He urged law enforcers to arrest those masterminds to permanently resolve this issue.

Khelaghar’s acting general secretary Runu Ali, advisor Prof Abu Sayed and Udichi’s general secretary Jamshed Anwar Tapan were also present there.

In the last six months, at least 630 women were raped and 37 of them killed after rape. There were also rape attempts on 105 others, according to a report of rights body Ain o Salish Kendra, published on July 1.