State Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Qamrul Islam yesterday blamed a quarter for spreading the news of recent stalking incidents, claiming the stalking incidents are at a tolerable level in the country.
Stalking women and girls is not new in the society, it was there in the past and now they are falling victim to such offences, he said adding, different communities should raise their voice besides the government's steps against such harassment.
He made the comment at a view exchange meeting organised by Motijheel Women Community Policing Coordination Committee at AGB Colony in the city.
The state minister observed that parents of the offenders should be implicated. He also insisted if the parents monitor their sons' daily activities, stalking could be contained to a great extent.
Encouraging women to play their role in community policing, Home Secretary Abdus Sobhan Sikdar said women community police can serve as bridge between the law enforces and victims of stalking.
Young women with good reputation in community policing will get preference in recruitment to police department, added the secretary.
He also mentioned that the government is thinking to provide financial support to each of the community police members.
Farhana Dolly, president of the lone women community policing committee in the country, said her team is working to solve the problems which women face in the society and their families.
Speakers at the meeting also urged the home minister to take steps against stalkers who usually harass girl students on their way to and at the gates of academic institutions.
Home Minister Sahara Khatun addressed the meeting as chief guest, with Deputy Commissioner of police, Motijheel division, Abdul Baten in the chair.
Lawmaker Rashed Khan Menon, general secretary of the committee Nasima Akhter, among others, attended the programme.