Bangladesh, Oct. 25 -- Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Sunday said the party's door has forever been shut for rapists and abusers of women.

He said this at a function on Durga Puja at Basurhat and Kabirhat of his constituency in Noakhali this morning. He joined the programme via a video conference from his official residence.

Quader said that the political identity of the criminals cannot be a shield for self-defence.

Bangladesh has been rocked by a series of rape incidents in recent weeks. Many of the accused are affiliated with the ruling party. According to Ain o Salish Kendra, nearly 1,000 rape incidents were reported in the country between January and September this year, including over 200 gang rapes.

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