Dhaka, Mar 03 (V7N) –A group of protesters held a demonstration and burned an effigy of Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Monday in response to his remarks following the harassment of two young women over public smoking in Dhaka’s Lalmatia, demanding his resignation.
Under the banner of "Bangladesh Against Rape and Oppression," they gathered at the site of the incident and later marched towards the parliament building, where they burned an effigy of the adviser and demanded his removal from the government.
On Saturday, two young women were smoking at a roadside tea stall in Lalmatia. A group of individuals on their way to prayers confronted them, leading to an altercation in which the women were reportedly physically harassed. In response, they threw hot tea at the individuals.
When asked about the incident the following day, the home affairs adviser said: "As far as I know, the women were smoking, and some people heading to prayers objected. This led to tea being thrown at them."
He added: "Smoking in public places is prohibited for both men and women. I urge everyone to refrain from smoking in open spaces."
His remarks sparked outrage, with human rights activists and various organizations condemning them as victim-blaming and an attempt to justify harassment.
The protesters argued that although smoking may be subject to legal restrictions, it does not justify physical assault.
They also criticized the adviser, claiming that his remarks appeared to support the actions of the perpetrators.
Leaders of the protest called for his resignation, asserting that statements from a high-ranking government official of this nature are unacceptable and can legitimize oppression and violence.
They called for the immediate removal of the home affairs adviser, the identification and punishment of those responsible for the attack, and stronger administrative measures to prevent harassment and violence against women.
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