The BNP on Saturday voiced deep concern over the rising incidents of harassment and violence against women, urging the government to take immediate measures to curb extremism.

“A person was seen stopping rickshaws to ask female students what dress they would wear at their university on the occasion of International Women’s Day. This is a sign of extremism. This cannot happen,” said BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Speaking at a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office, Rizvi stressed the need for decisive action to prevent the rise of militancy. “May evil forces not arise in the path of our modern progress and development,” he added.

He called on the interim government to take firm action against all forms of anarchy, including violence against women, to ensure justice in the country.

“We are observing with great concern that the incidents of violence and harassment against women across the country have increased at an alarming rate,” Rizvi said.

He pointed out that women not only face insecurity on the streets but also suffer from harassment online.

The BNP leader lamented that female students, workers, and women from all walks of life are subjected to eve-teasing, molestation, and sexual harassment in public spaces, including educational institutions.

“Women are being raped, tortured, and killed. The growing culture of harassment and impunity has become a threat to the stability and harmony of the state,” he observed.

Rizvi urged an investigation into the causes of this social deterioration and questioned whether an intentional conspiracy was fueling the crisis.

“There may be support or incitement from extremists behind this barbarity and violence. Or there may be attempts to destabilize the country and take advantage of it, with the goal of turning Bangladesh into a conservative state, where women are deprived of their rights in their own country,” he warned.

On behalf of the BNP, he strongly condemned the ongoing violence and demanded strict punishment for the perpetrators.

“It is our moral responsibility to protect the dignity and freedom of women, which is their constitutional right,” Rizvi stated.