In October 2019, based on facebook post on hurting religious sentiment, violence took four lives in Bhola. 7 It is not accepted at all. NHRC believes that all people have freedom of expression and responsibility not to hurt anyone by misusing the freedom. One should respect opinion of others and not misuse the freedom of expression. 2.5 Rights of Women & Girls Bangladesh has achieved remarkable progress in terms of women empowerment. The country has been a role model for women empowerment. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was conferred with Global Women's Leadership Award for her outstanding contribution to their cause.However, violence against women and children continued in 2019. The number of rape incidents is on the rise in our country. The news, from various newspapers and TV channels, have been drawing attention to it for years, and the trend in yearly statistics of rape incidents continues to be alarming. This year witnessed the sexual harassment and brutal killing of a brave girl Nusrat, a Madrasa student of Feni. Whole country including NHRC raised voice against this heinous crime. On April 6, 2019, 18-year-old Nusrat Jahan Rafi, an Alim examinee of SonagaziIslamia Senior Fazil Madrasa, was set on fire in daylight on the roof of the madrasa by people loyal to principal SirajUddaula, when she refused to withdraw a sexual harassment case her family filed against him on May 27. NHRC acknowledged the fact that all 16 accused including sacked madrassa principal SirajUddoula and Awami League leader Ruhul Amin were awarded death penalty for killing Nusrat. 8 NHRC believes that this verdict is a milestone against VAW. NHRC believes that all the perpetrators of VAW needs to be given exemplary punishment immediately to stop all kinds of VAW. Commission believes that, rape was a reality in past and it still prevails in the present. At present news on rape incidences publishes due to awareness of people. Today, father stands up for his rape victim daughter. Husband lodge case for her rape victim wife. We have been able to create awareness. But we cannot sit idle after achieving this. The way news of rape has been published; it becomes terrific. We need to find out solution immediately. Commission expects- women will be safe from perpetrators of sexual harassment both in home and outside. 2.6 Rights of Children Children are the future of any nation. NHRCB acknowledges government’s several actions to promote the rights of children. However, NHRCB noticed with concern that torture, rape and murder of children were evident in 2019 like the previous years. On 14 October 2019,A five-year-old boy was brutally killed in Sunamganj’s Deraiupazila.The murderers had left the child’s body hanging from a tree near the family’s house, after stabbing him, slitting his throat, and cutting off his ears and genitals. The killers also left two knives they had used to kill him, jammed in his abdomen. NHRCB believes that lack of social values is one of the main reasons behind these crimes. Government needs to take necessary strong action against all perpetrators who violates child rights. 7 Facebook account at the heart of violence in Bhola was hacked, say police, 20 October 2019, https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2019/10/20/facebook-account-at-the-heart-of-violence-in-bhola-was-hacked-say-police 8 Nusrat murder: Ex-madrasa principal, 15 others get death, The Daily Star, 24 October 2019, https://www.thedailystar.net/country/nusrat-rafi-murder-ex-madrasa-principal-15-others-get-death-1818127 18