A human chain was held in Belabo on Sunday protesting violence, rape and murder of women and children across the country and demanding swift punishment for those responsible.Bangladesh Mahila Parishad’s Belabo organisational district branch organised the programme in front of Baraicha bus stand on the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway in the afternoon.Speakers said violence against women and children has reached an alarming level. They blamed a culture of impunity and failure to ensure exemplary punishment for repeated incidents.They called on the authorities to adopt a zero-tolerance policy and ensure strict punishment through speedy trials.The programme was chaired by Ruby Akter, a senior member of the Belabo organisational district branch of Mahila Parishad, while Programme Executive Ashish Kumar Shil moderated it.Among others, General Secretary Nazrin Haque Hena, Joint General Secretary Aspia Akter Hena, Movement Secretary Minti Rani Sutrodhar, Finance Secretary Parvin Akter and social worker Shamsur Rahman Kajal attended the programme.Members of local social and human rights organisations and people from different professions also joined the human chain.The protesters demanded the immediate arrest and maximum punishment of all those involved in violence against women and children.