Dhaka: England National Cricket team, now in city, on Tuesday evening listened to stories of horrific acid attacks on girls and women, their fight for returning to normal life and awareness against such heinous acts.

The entire England cricket team attended a roundtable at the British High Commission in Dhaka to learn how the Department for International Development (DFID) is supporting victims of acid attacks, and contributing to the prevention of further violence. 

Tahmina Islam, Kabita Biswas, Ibrahim Khalid, Roni Pathok and Banasree Mitra Neogi shared their personal stories on how they returned to normal life and how they are contributing to the society inspiring all to stand against acid attacks, domestic violence and violence against women. 

They said rates of acid attacks and violence against women are on the fall following joint efforts by the government and non-governmental organisations. 

The England cricket team also met the beneficiaries of the UK-funded programmes, hearing how the UK provides victims with access to security, justice, and health services and community leaders with resource to drive projects designed to tackle the root causes of this violence. 

“Countries like Bangladesh have made great improvements to the lives of girls and women in recent years but many people still face a daily threat of severe and debilitating domestic violence,” Secretary of State for International Development Priti Patel was quoted as saying in a statement. 

She said cowardly acid attacks are “utterly unacceptable” and they cause great sufferings and hold back entire communities from reaching their full potential. 

“I’m very grateful to England Cricket team for taking the time to highlight the vital work my department is doing in this area,” Patel said.

“We’ll continue to work with local organisations to provide medical support and secure justice for victims, while reducing the vulnerability of girls and women in the future,” she added.

Chief Executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board Tom Harrison said, “I’m pleased the England Cricket Team had the opportunity to learn more about the DFID’s work in Bangladesh.”

Harrison mentioned that they have been left in no doubt that the UK’s efforts in supporting victims of violence, particularly acid attacks that sadly see such prominence in the country, are changing lives and giving those affected the physical and psychological support they so desperately need.

“I’m sure the visit, which was organised in conjunction with the British High Commission in Dhaka, has been a moving and educational experience for the players,” Harrison said.

Acting Executive Director, Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) Shamim Imam was also present. 

In Bangladesh, over 80 percent of women undergo physical or mental abuse during their marriage, with acid attacks a prominent method used, according to Violence against Women and Girls Survey-2015 of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. 

So far this year, 42 individuals have been affected by acid attacks, down from a peak of 496 seen in 2002. 

Later, British High Commissioner Alison Blake hosted a reception for Bangladesh and England cricket teams and officials at her residence.