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WorldPosted at: May 15 2025 8:38PM


Women’s groups call for end to sexual harassment, violence against women in Bangladesh

Dhaka, May 15 (UNI) Protesting the rise of increased gender discrimination in Bangladesh recently, a coalition of 49 progressive women’s workers', cultural, student, and professional organisations called for an end to violence and harassment against women.
The group came together today at Sagar-Runi Auditorium to declare solidarity with the ‘Narir Dake Maitree Yatra’—a historic procession scheduled to take place tomorrow, on Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka.
The event, called and led by women from across different classes, professions, ideologies, and political affiliations, is independently organised by a collective women’s group with no political affiliations or institutional backing.
The march seeks the safety, and justice for women and marginalised communities in public and private spaces alike, as well as an end to the increasing gender violence, segregation, and political exclusion of women following the July-Uprising, reports Business Standard BD.
The coalition drew attention to various instances of violence and discrimination, such as the attacks against sex workers in various regions and no government action, the Islamist's attempts at halting women’s football, sexual harassment of female teachers and students, rising counts of rape and government inaction, harassment of victims and protection of perpetrators by the state etc.
Speaking ahead of the upcoming march, Taslima Akhter, President of Bangladesh Garment Sramik Samhati, stressed the importance of structural change:
"The rate of harassment has increased, and the state must take necessary measures to address it. We finally have a space where we can raise our voices about these issues, but real change takes time. We need to stop portraying women as objects in Bangladeshi media and literature—these representations shape public perception and reinforce harmful mindsets," she said.
"Our laws promise equal rights for men and women, yet women in this country still struggle to live as equal citizens, free from fear. We need a shift in collective mentality. The way the Women Reform Commissioner was treated is unacceptable. Everyone should come forward and join the May 16 march."
The press conference closed with a united call to action: "Women's liberation cannot be separated from the broader political and economic liberation of all people. Our struggles are shared. Our freedom is collective."
Among the 49 signatory organisations present at the press conference were: the Bangladesh Students Union, Democratic Student Council, Garment Workers Unity Forum, Udichi, Tea Workers' Ten-Point Implementation Committee and Bangladesh Theater. Others included cultural bodies, leftist student groups, women's rights platforms, and regional activist coalitions.
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Tags: #Women’s groups call for end to sexual harassment# violence against women in Bangladesh
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