6:38 AM
Maksuda
At least 123 people in Bogra district were acid-burnt as the
country's highest 120 incidents of acid attack took place there from
1998 to April 2009 while the second highest 117 incidents were recorded
in Sirajganj district. Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF) sources
revealed the information in a meeting jointly organised by Bogra-based
NGO Light House and ASF at Bogra Deputy Commissioner's Office auditorium
on Wednesday. The meeting was informed that a total of 2809
people had been burnt in the country from 1998 to April 2009 including
1406 women and 709 children below the 18 years. According to the ASF survey most of the acid throwing cases followed rejection of love and land dispute while easy availability of sulfuric acid helped the criminals. Most of the acid victims were later threatened by the accused and many cases were 'settled' following pressure from local influential people, speakers said at the meeting.
Aishaha, her mother Hasina and relative Shamima were acid-burnt on October 4 in 2007 following 'rejection of love' but justice eluded them as the case was 'settled' due to pressure from the accused and law enforcers.
Local journalists told the meeting that more than 600 traders are using acid without any licenses for jewellery business. Besides, a large number of traders are selling acid in the district without licenses. Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC -- General) Ayub Hossain presided over the meeting and ADC (Education and Development) Swapon Kamur Ghosh attended it as chief guest.
Source: The Daily Star, Bangladesh.
Posted in: Deception and Violence
