Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Jan 11, 2026 (BSS) - Speakers at a workshop here today warned that violence against women and children is rising at an alarming rate, while prolonged trials and systemic barriers in the judicial process often delay justice.

As a result, perpetrators are emboldened and victims are denied justice, they observed."

They were speaking at a stakeholders' coordination workshop in Khulna city on Sunday, aimed at preventing violence against women and strengthening the judicial process in women and child abuse cases."

The workshop was organised by the non-government organisation NICE Foundation at the CSS Ava Centre in the city.

Political leaders, journalists, women leaders, trans activists, human rights defenders, media professionals, representatives of social organisations and members of civil society attended the event.

Former Member of Parliament and BNP nominated MP aspirant of Khulna-2 constituency Nazrul Islam Manju said delays in the trial of women and child abuse cases are seriously hampering justice. 

In many cases, witnesses and investigating officers are reluctant to testify in court, while adequate security for victims and witnesses cannot be ensured, he noted. 

He also pointed out a lack of sincerity among police at the thana level.

He further said many offenders are escaping punishment by exploiting loopholes in the law and weaknesses in law enforcement, which is increasing crime and sending a dangerous message to society.

Nazrul Islam Manju said that if elected in the future, effective laws would be enacted by reforming existing weaknesses and loopholes in laws related to women and child abuse to ensure justice. 

He vowed to take a firm stance so that no offender can evade punishment by exploiting legal gaps.

Other speakers stressed that coordinated efforts by the government, law enforcement agencies, public representatives, the media, and social organisations are essential to prevent violence against women and children.

If all stakeholders act responsibly from their respective positions, violence in society can be significantly reduced, they expressed hope.

M. Mujibur Rahman, Editor of NICE Foundation chaired the workshop, while Mamun Akhtar, Deputy Director of Bangladesh Betar, Khulna moderated the event.

Welcome remarks were delivered by Rabeya Sultana, Programme Director of NICE Foundation, while the concept paper was presented by Anjum Tasnuva, Associate Professor of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology.

Senior journalist Gouranga Nandi and Senior Information Officer Mehedi Hasan of the Khulna Regional Information Office also addressed the event.