Does a rapist still hold a weapon after committing rape? How many cases of rape make it to the news? Even parents often tell survivors to stay silent—“If people find out, we won’t be able to get you married.” What percentage of rapes in our country are actually reported? The exact number is unknown, but I can estimate—probably no more than two or three percent.
Why don’t survivors speak up? Shame. In our society, a rapist is judged, but the survivor is judged a thousand times more harshly. From medical examinations to police interrogations to court proceedings, victims are often subjected to humiliation rather than support. Aside from a few high-profile cases, survivors who seek justice are frequently blamed instead. In local arbitration or village councils, accusations often turn against the victim.
Our culture of impunity enables rapists. First, their allies and relatives try to settle matters with money. When that fails, they resort to threats. In some cases, society even proposes that the survivor marry the rapist as a so-called resolution. Left with no other choice, survivors and their families sometimes take their own lives—jumping in front of trains, consuming poison—or are forced to flee their homes to escape stigma. Families live in fear that their daughters will be forever branded as dishonored, that their siblings will never be able to hold their heads high in society.
Often, rapes committed by close relatives or trusted figures never come to light. Can you fathom the level of depravity required for grown men to repeatedly assault minors, even children? When dealing with an armed criminal, the first step is always to disarm them. As long as a rapist walks free, they remain a threat to society. Thus, rapists must be stripped of their weapon—castration should be a viable option. Without such severe consequences, neither our daughters, sisters, wives, nor even young boys are safe. Sexual violence, including assault against boys, is a horrifying reality we hear about far too often. If we fail to stop these predators, even animals may be safer than humans in this society.
Islamic law prescribes the harshest punishments for rape and adultery—execution by stoning in the most severe cases, with no room for mercy or negotiation. Even in cases of murder, forgiveness is possible in exchange for compensation. But rape is different. There is no leniency. The severity of the punishment acts as a deterrent, discouraging potential offenders from committing such crimes in the first place.
Canada, like Bangladesh, must ensure that rapists face the most severe legal consequences. The death penalty for rape should be considered. We demand the immediate execution of those convicted of heinous crimes like the assault of Asiya. To ensure justice, a special tribunal for rape cases should be established, ensuring that all trials conclude within 90 days and that sentences are carried out without delay. The names and faces of convicted rapists should be publicly broadcasted in newspapers and on television, and their execution dates should be shared with the public. This is the only way to end rape. No leniency, no forgiveness—rapists have no right to exist in a just society.
The recent case at Dhaka University, where a man harassed a woman for wearing an orna (scarf) and was later celebrated with a garland of flowers—this is a disgrace. Those who enable and glorify such behavior must also face justice. Both committing a crime and condoning it are equally reprehensible. What message does this send to society regarding women’s safety? The government must take this seriously.
Canada must also adopt a no-tolerance stance on sexual violence. While Canadian laws are progressive, sexual assault remains an issue. Survivors often face skepticism, victim-blaming, and drawn-out legal battles that discourage them from reporting. The government must enforce swift and strict punishments, ensuring that women and all vulnerable individuals feel safe.
Leaders must be compassionate toward good citizens but uncompromising against criminals. Some people, regardless of education or opportunity, harbor dangerous intentions. They will act on them if given the chance, posing a threat to society. Religious or moral teachings alone will not change them. Even prophets could not reform everyone. Thus, justice must be strict and unwavering.
The nationwide awakening against rape and sexual violence is one of the most hopeful movements in recent history. Either we take decisive action now, or we lose hope forever. Women are not lesser beings. Their safety is the responsibility of men—as fathers, brothers, sons, and husbands, we must ensure it. There must be no place for rapists in our country or any country.
Rape must never be used as a political tool. Sexual harassment must never be downplayed. My daughter, my wife, my mother, and my sister must be able to walk freely and live safely. If we cannot guarantee that, how can we face them?
