Dhaka: The recent news of heinous attacks on women is deeply worrying, said Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
He said that this is completely contrary to the dream of ‘New Bangladesh’ that we have. We are committed to establishing equal rights for all men and women in this ‘New Bangladesh’. We will use all our strength to establish this right. The girls of our country are playing an important role in their respective fields with great courage. They are contributing to the overall progress of the country, including politics and economy, by overcoming hundreds of obstacles.
He said these things at a program organized on the occasion of Women’s Day at the Osmany Memorial Auditorium on Saturday (March 8) morning.
He said that the government is always striving for the economic empowerment of women. For this, various initiatives are underway. The interim government is taking various initiatives including providing financial assistance to distressed mothers, providing training to women, microcredit programs, hostels for working women, and day care center facilities. Discussions are also underway on what else can be done.
Stating that preventing violence against women is one of the government's priorities, the Chief Adviser said, "Many times, women are victims of violence, but they do not know where to complain. A hotline has been launched so that women can report their complaints. We have taken the initiative to update the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2010 to provide legal assistance. We have also taken the work of formulating the Sexual Harassment Prevention and Protection Act, 2025. We have formed a women's affairs reform commission, which will also give their recommendations."
In this context, Dr. Yunus said, a few days ago, a record number of women participated in the 'Youth Festival 2025' organized across the country with the aim of energizing the power of youth and building a new Bangladesh. In this festival, 27 lakh 40 thousand girls from different parts of the country participated in about 3,000 sports and cultural activities. People from all walks of life in this country have been sitting in the audience and cheering them on. The presence of thousands of spectators proves that men also have spontaneous support for establishing women's rights and participation in Bangladeshi society. We will definitely confront the anti-women forces that are trying to raise their heads, along with all the people of the country. Moreover, there are still many people in our society who, instead of standing by the side of oppressed women, look down on them and look down on them with contempt.
The Chief Adviser said that if we want to prevent violence against women and women's oppression, and if we want to build a beautiful Bangladesh free of discrimination, there is no alternative but to stand by women and support them.
This view of looking down on women in our society has to change. Otherwise, we will not be able to move forward as a nation, he said.
The Chief Adviser said that the degenerate dictatorship is investing a huge amount of money to create anarchy in the country. We have to be as careful now as we were in a war-like situation. Be extremely vigilant in protecting the safety of women and children. Build social unity against oppression. Stand by each other. Support the government in building a beautiful and peaceful society.
Highlighting the role of women in various movements, he said, "Women in Bangladesh have been struggling for their rights for ages. From Tebhaga to the anti-British movement, from the language movement to the liberation war, the women of Bengal have played an active role. Women who participated in the July Uprising have told me about their struggles and hopes and aspirations at various times. The new Bangladesh that we dream of building will not be possible without the participation of women and ensuring their rights. To establish these rights, men must also work as fellow fighters with women.
Calling on men to come forward with enthusiastic cooperation to establish the rightful place of women in society, she said, "In 'New Bangladesh', we want to build our inspirational family in a new way which is a family of assured and recognized rights of all parents, brothers and sisters. International Women's Day reminds us anew of the history of women's struggle, inspires and gives us courage. I urge all those who are working to establish women's rights in society, no matter what obstacles we face, we will make full use of the opportunity that history has given us. We will build a new Bangladesh. This is our promise.