Strong family bonds key to preventing violence against women, children: Minister

Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu on Saturday emphasised the importance of strong family relationships and responsible parenting in preventing violence against women and children.
Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Protection under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act: Challenges and Remedies” at a Rajshahi city hotel, the minister said children must be raised with moral values and social responsibility to build a safer society.
Recalling Rajshahi’s tradition of strong social cohesion, Minu said the region was once known for its close-knit communities and peaceful environment. 
However, he noted that the situation had deteriorated over the past two decades due to the spread of drugs and the activities of criminal elements.
He warned that those involved in terrorism, drug trafficking and violence against women and children are enemies of the nation and said there would be no compromise in taking action against them.
The minister also called for collective efforts to ensure a safe and peaceful society and to protect women and children from all forms of violence.
The seminar was organised by the Rajshahi Range DIG Office and chaired by Rajshahi Range DIG Mohammad Shahjahan.
Keynote papers were presented by Additional Superintendent of Police Mahmuda Sharmin Nely of the Rajshahi Range DIG Office and Professor Dr Harunur Rashid of the Department of Islamic History and Culture at Rajshahi University.
Among the special guests were Advocate Mohammad Shafiqul Haque Milan, MP, Md Fazle Huda, MP, Divisional Commissioner Dr ANM Bazlur Rashid, Senior District and Sessions Judge AHM. Mahmudur Rahman, Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal-1 Judge Sharmin Akter, and Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mohammad Foyezul Kabir.
Senior government officials, representatives of non-governmental organisations and members of the media also attended the seminar.
Speakers stressed the need for strict enforcement of existing laws and speedy trials to effectively curb violence against women and children.