In preventing rape and sexual abuse, the anti rape device will play a special role in protecting women. This will also create terror among rapists, deterring them from molesting anyone, say most human rights specialists.
They feel that in the usage of anti rape device, state support will be needed and the benefits will come once this device is connected to law enforcers and emergency services.
This is a wireless gadget, which a woman can wear as an ornament to prevent rape. Of the many devices to ensure safety for women, this has become especially popular since it can send secret messages asking for help.
These devises were first made by students of some African and European universities and then they were commercially made. This can be worn as a watch, a ring or as a locket. Some prefer to keep it in a bag.
IT specialist Tanvir Hasan Zoha said, “When someone is under attack, s/he can ask for help by pressing the button or the message can be sent to the police automatically. The police will then track the device and save the woman. It can also give an alarm and if connected to the mobile can send a call for help to the police.”
"This is used in many countries though it has to be found out if the device can be used by everyone or not," he added.
As per research done by WHO in 2001, around 20 percent women have faced violation at least once in their lifetime, which is very high in African nations.
The usage of such a device was proposed in South Africa when rate of rapes rose. Then others started to follow, including USA and India.
As per human rights body, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) in 2019, 1413 women were violated which was 732 in 2018. Since rape has doubled, human rights organization Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) and Children’s Charity Bangladesh Foundation lodged a writ at the High Court asking for the supply of anti rape devices.
After the writ, the court ordered the formation of a specialist committee.
Barrister Md Abdul Halim, who took part in the writ, said: “I feel that using the device will bring down incidents of rape. Women and students can wear it around the neck or the waist and, if attacked, a 999 call will be sent our automatically.”
The specialist committee will submit a report within 60 days.
"The devices are available on the net and cost between $1 to $1.5," said barrister Halim adding, “We are planning to connect the device to 999 and currently, it’s being tested.”
"One does not have to be educated or wealthy to use or buy the device," added Halim.
“When a directive comes for its usage, we will ask the government to supply it and then everyone will be able to buy them,” he said.
The writ asked for a court rule, asking why security measures should not be taken to safeguard the respect and honour of women.