On March 14, 2025, at 11:00 AM, the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) organized a silent procession following the tragic death of a child rape victim in Magura. The procession, titled “We are Agitated, Grieving, and Protesting,” started from the National Press Club and ended at the Central Shaheed Minar.
Key participants included Dr. Fauzia Moslem, President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP); Vice President Makhuma Nargis Ratna; General Secretary Maleka Banu; Joint General Secretaries Seema Moslem and Advocate Masuda Rehana Begum; alongside other central committee leaders, executive members, Dhaka City Committee leaders for the Prevention of social anomy and violence against women and girl child, representatives from allied organizations, and media personnel.
At the conclusion of the procession, Dr. Fauzia Moslem highlighted the notoriously lengthy judicial process for rape cases in Bangladesh. She remarked that society is not yet equipped to deliver justice for such heinous crimes and stressed the importance of maintaining momentum for justice, ensuring perpetrators are punished, and rehabilitating victims. She noted from her long experience in the women’s movement that rape is a manifestation of patriarchy. To dismantle this, women must be given equal power, rights over resources, and cultural recognition as equals. The struggle will continue with the goal of eradicating the crime of rape.
General Secretary Maleka Banu voiced deep concern and anger over the increasing incidents of rape against women and girls nationwide. To address this violence, the organization is implementing programs across the country and strongly demands effective enforcement of laws to curb violence against women and girls.
