Female students at a college in central Bangladesh are being offered a new way to deal with sexual harassment - karate.


Such harassment - known as Eve teasing - has become chronic in recent months. More than 20 women are thought to have committed suicide this year because of being stalked or verbally abused.


Instructor Maliha Tanjina Sharmin (right) holds a black belt in karate. She says karate helps boost confidence and mental strength: "Anyone who stalks one of my students had better beware."


Student Ruhana Shiraji Poly (left) says karate will let her stand up to abusive men. "Sometimes they follow us, so we are scared. We'll not only defend ourselves, but protect other girls as well."



Classes last for about 30 minutes and are held twice a day. Teachers say students are taught not to pull their punches.