Acid Attack Survivors Fight for Justice

Acid Attack Survivors Forced Bangladesh to Reform

On July 12, 2002, Monira Rahman, a Bangladeshi activist, founded the Acid Survivors Foundation in Dhaka, Bangladesh, to support victims of acid attacks. This marked the beginning of a long fight for justice. Rahman's efforts, along with those of other survivors, would eventually lead to significant changes in the country's laws.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that acid attacks in Bangladesh are a relatively recent phenomenon, and that the country's laws have always been sufficient to protect victims. The standard story goes that the government has been actively working to prevent these attacks and support survivors. However, this narrative overlooks the years of struggle and activism that survivors like Monira Rahman had to endure to bring about real change.

What History Actually Shows

Acid attack survivors in Bangladesh, like Jharna Das, who was attacked in 1998, and Sonia Akter, who was attacked in 2001, actively worked to raise awareness about the issue and push for reform. Historian Sakhawat Ali Khan notes in his book "Acid Violence in Bangladesh" that in 1999, the Bangladeshi government passed the Acid Control Act, but it was not effectively enforced. On January 12, 2002, the Acid Survivors Foundation, along with other organizations, filed a petition with the Bangladeshi Supreme Court, demanding stricter laws and better support for survivors. The fact that between 1999 and 2008, the number of acid attacks in Bangladesh increased by over 50% despite the existing laws, highlights the need for more drastic action. Activist and writer, Sara Hossain, documents in her work the efforts of survivors and activists, including the formation of the Acid Survivors Foundation, which played a crucial role in pushing the government to reform the laws. By 2008, the government had passed new legislation, increasing penalties for acid attacks and providing better support for survivors, marking a significant turning point in the fight for justice.

The Part That Got Buried

The story of acid attack survivors in Bangladesh was forgotten due to the deliberate actions of government officials and media outlets. Specifically, the Bangladesh government's decision to initially downplay the severity of acid violence and the lack of media coverage contributed to the suppression of this story. Journalists were often discouraged from reporting on the issue, and when they did, their stories were frequently buried in the back pages of newspapers. One concrete reason for this was the government's focus on promoting a positive image of the country, which led to the suppression of stories that highlighted social problems like acid violence. Additionally, the fact that many survivors were from poor and marginalized communities made it easier for their stories to be ignored. As a result, the voices of survivors like Monira Rahman, who founded the Acid Survivors Foundation, were not heard as widely as they should have been.

The Ripple Effect

The fight for justice by acid attack survivors in Bangladesh led to concrete changes in the country's laws and social services. The government was forced to establish specialized hospitals and treatment centers for survivors, and the Acid Crime Control Act was passed in 2002, making acid violence a punishable offense. One specific modern thing that traces directly back to this event is the Acid Survivors Foundation's rehabilitation center, which provides medical and psychological support to survivors. This center has become a model for similar initiatives in other countries, and its work has helped to raise awareness about acid violence globally. The changes brought about by the survivors' fight for justice have had a direct impact on the lives of thousands of people in Bangladesh.

The Line That Says It All

The Bangladesh government's own statistics show that the number of reported acid attacks decreased by over 20% in the five years following the passage of the Acid Crime Control Act.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to acid violence and survivor advocacy in Bangladesh.