A Culture of Silence: The Story of Rumana Manzur

On June 5th 2011, Ruman Manzur was brutally attacked by her husband while sitting at her computer with her 5-year-old daughter.

Ramana Manzur, an Assistant Professor at the University of Dhaka in Bangladesh, had ambitions of moving to Canada with her family, where she was studying political science.

All her dreams were suddenly shattered when her husband, Hassan Syed, tried to gouge her eyes out, bite of her nose and threatened to pour acid over her - in front of their daughter, Anushay.

Ramana is now practically sightless and totally blind in one eye.

Ramana was a devout Muslim and faithful wife who wanted to make a better future for her family. From Canada, she would Skype regularly with Anushay and help her with her homework.

Hassan, however, was jealous and suspicious. He accused her of having an affair with one of her Facebook friends.

The horrific attack was not totally out of character. Hassan had been beating his wife throughout their ten-year marriage. But Ramana had said nothing.

On the 21st May, Hassan had beaten his wife and told her not to go back to Canada for her studies.

After the latest brutal attack on the 5th June, the violence could no longer be ignored. Students at Dakha University started campaigning on social media and blogging. The case became high profile. After ten days, a High Court Judge ordered the arrest of Hassan Syed.

The silence of abuse 

Rumana's shocking story has lifted the lid on issues facing women in Bangladesh. This case has exposed the continuing issue of how women are viewed in the country.

While Rumana's tragic story is covered daily by the media - throughout Bangladesh there are many women who will today be suffering a similar fate, unreported. Where a high court judge does not intervene to demand that the police take action.

A report released in 2009 shows the depth of the problem. Over 53% of women in Bangladesh experienced sexual or physical violence from husbands.

The following year, stringent new laws were passed relating to domestic violence.

However, implementation is a different matter. Such laws have little meaning in a society where corruption and an inefficient judiciary allow violators to go unpunished. And where many women fear reporting such crimes, to uphold the family's 'Izzat' -  dignity, honour and reputation. If a woman does wish to report a case of violence in the home, there is little or no support available.

As one commentator wrote - 'the silence is everywhere - we turn a blind eye to the facial bruises on the bride at the wedding party'

• Donate to Safeworld.