Women train in self-defence in Dhaka for protection against sexual assaults

Some women are training themselves in self-defence techniques at the Dhaka University’s TSC to protect themselves from rising sexual harassment and violence.

Dhaka University Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 8 April 2016, 01:24 PM
Updated : 8 April 2016, 01:52 PM

‘Pritilata Brigade’, a newly founded organisation, arranged the Taekwondo training styled 'Self-defence Training for all Tonus’ at the foot of Raju Memorial Sculpture on Friday.

The title references to the murder after suspected rape of college student Sohagi Jahan Tonu inside the Comilla Cantonment last month that have sparked angry protests.

Convenor of the organisation Lucky Akter said 17 women including herself took part on the first day of the training.

Akter, also the President of Bangladesh Chhatra Union, told bdnews24.com, “We do not have the luxury to wait for the government or the law-enforcement agencies to ensure women’s security.”

“Therefore, we have taken the initiative by ourselves,” she added.

“For now, the training will be held at Raju Chattar on every Friday,” Akter said, mentioning that same sort of training will be made available in other the districts beyond Dhaka.

The training has been launched with the cooperation of Bangladesh Taekwondo Federation.

Trainer Jesmin Akter Ruma, who is a Black Belt in Taekwondo, said she found the enthusiasm of the participants infectious.

“Everyone was keen on learning things as soon as possible. They performed well on the first day,” she said.