Rape does not stem from normal sexual instincts. Rapists are mentally deranged, suffering from the highest level of psychological illness. In Bangladesh, it is common for a sister to visit her in-laws—this is a deep-rooted cultural norm. The government, of course, cannot guard every home to prevent rape. It would also be unfair to blame all men for rape. In reality, men are often the first to stand against it.
So, how do we stop rape? Do sermons and moral lessons work? Absolutely not. No amount of religious fear—be it Allah, God, the Quran, or the Bible—will change the mindset of a rapist. Many rapists even have wives, yet their sick impulses drive them to commit these heinous crimes. If you think these people are normal, then you’re the one who is mistaken.
Rape must be stopped—there’s no debate about that. The best deterrents are severe punishments: public execution, life imprisonment without parole, or chemical castration. A milder punishment could be forcing the offender to carry heavy stones for miles as a public humiliation. But there’s no room for leniency. You cannot demand women’s safety while simultaneously showing mercy to rapists. If we fail to take action, no one—our sisters, daughters, or mothers—will ever be safe.
Most of us don’t personally know a rapist. Yet, the horrifying reality is that no one is safe—not a 2-year-old child, not an 82-year-old woman. If we implement the strictest punishments on just five convicted rapists and ensure the cases are widely publicized, it would serve as a deterrent. Once again, let me emphasize—rape does not stem from normal sexual urges. Even during moments of desire, a person’s conscience remains active. Only those who are mentally disturbed turn to rape. That’s why we must rid society of these sick individuals. Sometimes, punishment isn’t just about prevention—it must also serve as retribution. The only real solution for a convicted rapist is execution.
If saying “Son, don’t rape” was enough to stop rapists, then Islamic law wouldn’t have prescribed stoning to death as a punishment for rape. The only way to ensure women’s safety is to make rapists fear the consequences. Rapists live among us, hiding in plain sight. But if we establish a strong precedent—swift justice and certain punishment—the rate of rape will decline to nearly zero.
Look at countries where severe punishments exist—rape is rare. So why do we see so many rapes in our country? Because of a culture of impunity, legal loopholes, and an exhausting legal process. On top of that, victims often remain silent out of fear for their dignity, which only empowers rapists. But we don’t need to complicate things. Identify the rapist, arrest him, and deliver swift justice. If necessary, people can pray for his soul—but justice must prevail.
