On November 25, 2024, at 3:00 PM, the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) organized a rally under the banner “Establish Equality in Familly Law, Prevent Violence against Women and Girl Child” to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and World Human Rights Day. The procession progressed from the Engineers Institution to Old Paltan intersection, led by Dr. Fauzia Moslem, the president of BMP. General Secretary Maleka Banu , read a declaration on behalf of the central committee.
The declaration highlighted that violence against women and girls is a significant barrier to achieving a gender-equal, humane society. It addressed issues such as domestic violence, child marriage, dowry, polygamy, sexual harassment, murder, rape, and other discriminatory practices that hinder women’s development and national progress. It called for equal rights in marriage, divorce, property, and child guardianship, the creation of a unified family law, and the enactment and enforcement of laws to combat violence against women. Additionally, it urged the strengthening of citizen and youth roles, particularly among students.
Dr. Fauzia Moslem emphasized that violence against women is a societal ailment that not only endangers women’s lives but also hinders social and national development. She called for collective action to eradicate this violence and for the state to fulfill its obligations.
Throughout the rally, participants chanted various slogans advocating for women’s rights, human rights, stopping violence against women, equal property rights, recognition of indigenous people in the constitution, building a democratic state, and overcoming oppressors.
The event commenced with the national anthem, performed by attendees at the Engineers Institution in Ramna. The rally was attended by leaders and members of various committees within the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, representatives of women workers, Girl Guides, students from Dhaka YWCA, Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) delegates, and journalists from both print and electronic media.
Rekha Saha, the Legal Aid Secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, coordinated the program.
