Rangpur:Rangpur City Corporation (RpCC) has initiated the installation of CCTV cameras on roads outside schools in Rangpur city. The initiative aims to enhance the safety of female students and prevent incidents of sexual harassment.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Advocate Mahfuz-un-Nabi Don, the Administrator of RpCC, announced that CCTV cameras have already been installed on roads in front of 60 percent of the city's educational institutions. The remaining installations are expected to be completed soon, ensuring coverage for all educational institutions across the city.
The announcement was made during a discussion and networking meeting titled "Eliminating Gender-Based Stereotypes and Discrimination," held at the RDRS auditorium in Rangpur. The event was organized by the Rupantor Youth Organization and 'Jago Foundation' under the 'Somotay Tarun' (Youth for Equality) project. Participants included representatives from NGOs, content creators, youth organizers, and media personnel.
During the open discussion session, various recommendations were made to advance women's rights, including measures to prevent violence against women and establish gender equality. Advocate Mahfuz-un-Nabi Don highlighted that the CCTV initiative is expected to allow female students to travel safely and without fear, while also helping to curb criminal activities.
He further emphasized the importance of women overcoming fear and viewing societal barriers as challenges to be addressed. The City Corporation also plans to engage with the youth to address gender issues and prevent cyberbullying.
The event featured speeches from several notable figures, including Shahriar Rahman Nafiz, founding director of 'Rupantor,' Harry Morill from the Embassy of the Netherlands, Rangpur Divisional Director of the Department of Social Services Mst Zilufa Sultana, Additional Superintendent of Police Sushanta Chandra Roy, Mahin Reza Chowdhury from Plan International, and Pallab Kanti Roy from World Vision.