On April 4, 2026 (Saturday) at 2:30 PM, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) organized a vibrant rally, discussion meeting, and cultural program under the inspiring slogan “Let’s Eliminate Gender Discrimination, Let’s Build an Equitable Society.” The event marked the organization’s 56th founding anniversary and drew over 500 participants, including leaders, activists, students, and representatives from allied groups.
The program began at the premises of Sufia Kamal Bhavan with the national anthem and the hoisting of the national flag and the flag of the organization. A colorful rally then marched from Sufia Kamal Bhavan to the Central Shaheed Minar, followed by a discussion session and cultural performances at the Shaheed Minar premises.
Key Highlights and Voices from the Event
Dr. Fauzia Moslem, President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, presided over the program. She emphasized that BMP has successfully become a trusted platform for women across Bangladesh. She strongly condemned rising anti-liberation war rhetoric, misogynistic views, and hate speech, noting that the people delivered a clear verdict against these forces through elections.
She urged everyone to remain vigilant against backlash, patriarchal structures, and the misuse of religion to oppose women’s rights. “The women’s movement is a movement to advance society,” she declared. “We must break patriarchal frameworks and build an equality-based social structure. There is no room to stop — we must unite, keep raising our demands, and move forward with firm steps.”
Maleka Banu, General Secretary, delivered the welcome speech. She paid tribute to the founding president Sufia Kamal and all early members, organizers, and supporters who built the organization. She highlighted BMP’s 56 years of relentless struggle for women’s advancement and social change. Addressing the youth, she said: “New generations must fight to protect their rights. Those who want to keep discrimination alive and halt women’s progress have nothing to fear from us. Women are not half of the population — they are full human beings who will walk equally in every sphere. This is our commitment on this founding anniversary.”
Shima Moslem, Joint General Secretary, read the anniversary declaration. It called on women and citizens to:
• Ensure proper implementation of women-sensitive laws
• Unite against fundamentalism, terrorism, and communalism
• Build effective networks with elected women representatives
• Engage all generations of men in the fight for women’s human rights
• Guarantee equal rights to property regardless of religion, caste, or creed
• Push for a Uniform Family Code (UFC) on marriage, divorce, inheritance, and guardianship
• Create women-friendly workplaces with childcare, safe transport, and fair promotion opportunities
• Ban the use of religion in politics and elections
• Recognize women’s unpaid domestic labor in GDP
• Reserve 33% nominations for women in elections and party committees
• Implement and monitor gender-sensitive budgeting
• Transform patriarchal attitudes at individual, family, and institutional levels
Powerful Contributions from Speakers
Dr. Makhduma Nargis Ratna, Vice President, highlighted the organization’s growth from its early days into a strong, modern, and inclusive women’s platform. She stressed that the struggle for equality will continue across generations until a just society is achieved.
Dr. Selim Raihan, Professor of Economics at Dhaka University, pointed out the confusion among the new generation and the need to address national identity crises. He noted significant progress in some areas but persistent gaps in women’s rights across economic, social, cultural, and political spheres, especially amid global crises like energy shortages.
Mahbub Aziz, journalist and columnist from Daily Samakal, observed that women’s lives have not changed as dramatically as expected in 56 years. He stressed the importance of equal property rights and political representation for true empowerment, and called for building a non-communal society where every voice is respected.
Helen Monisha Sarkar, General Secretary of YWCA of Bangladesh, celebrated the presence of multiple generations at the event and reaffirmed the dream of a discrimination-free, secular, and humane society.
Syeda Suranjana, a young organizer and student of Women and Gender Studies at Dhaka University, described BMP as the “womb” of the women’s movement in Bangladesh — a journey that continues with renewed strength despite challenges.
Mahamud Khalid, Chief of Dhaka University Writers’ Hub and a student of Criminology, called for including women’s and social movements in school and college curricula to correct misconceptions about the women’s movement. He linked true progress to the spirit of the Liberation War.
Cultural Program
The program concluded with a lively cultural segment featuring group songs by artists from Geetapriya Sangathan, recitation by Swarabyanjan, and dances performed by Jaima, Shreemoyi, Suneha, and Arahi (choreographed by Roman).
The entire event was smoothly conducted by Khursheda Imam, Education and Culture Secretary of BMP, and Senior Program Officer Fojila Khatun Lata.
This 56th anniversary served as a powerful reminder that the fight for gender equality is far from over — but with unity, courage, and clear demands, a truly equitable Bangladesh is within reach.
