The England Cricket team who were in Bangladesh recently, took time out of their sporting tour to highlight Britain's efforts to stop horrific acid attacks against Bangladesh's most vulnerable women. The team attended a round table at the British High Commission in Bangla and learnt how the Department for International Development supports victims of acid attacks, and contributes to the prevention of further violence.
Over 80 per cent of women in the Muslim-dominated nation experience physical or mental abuse in their marriages. Acid attacks have become a prominent method for torture. The Team met with beneficiaries of UK-funded programmes, hearing how the UK provides victims with access to security, justice, and health services, and community leaders equipped to launch projects to tackle the root causes of the 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. Cowardly acid attacks are utterly unacceptable. They cause great suffering and hold back entire communities from reaching their full potential. I am very grateful to the England Cricket Team for taking the time to highlight the vital work my Department is doing in this area. We will 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," said International Development Secretary Priti Patel.
Tom Harrison, Chief Executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board, said, "I’m pleased the England Cricket Team had the opportunity to learn more about the Department for International Development’s work in Bangladesh. We 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 am 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."
