‘Women, rivers not safe in country’

Speakers at a discussion yesterday said a national unity is required to fight against aggression in different tiers of the society including that in the economic sector.

The discussion was held as part of the first convention of "National Committee against Fascism and Imperialism" at Gonoshasthaya Kendra in the capital.

Addressing the event, the committee Chairman Badruddin Umar said the industry sector is an important component for the country's development but it is heavily dependent on foreign investment.

He alleged that the present government has turned into a "fascist one" and the ruling party men have indulged in theft and looting, which is barring the country's development.

Inaugurating the convention, Selina Akhter, mother of martyred physician Shamsul Alam Khan Milon, said, "Women and rivers are not safe in the country."

She said incidents of rape and violence against women have reached an alarming stage at present.

Leftist politician Mubinul Haider Chowdhury said now youths have become demoralised and alleged that the authorities are "helping" young people earn money in an unethical way.

Saiful Haque, general secretary of Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, alleged that the ruling Awami League has taken a stand to snatch away people's voting rights.

Condemning the ongoing spate of clashes in the Indian capital New Delhi, Saiful said they will protest if Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attend Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's birth centenary celebration programmes in Dhaka.

Jatiya Gono Front leader Tipu Biswas urged countrymen to be united and wage a movement, saying incidents of disappearance, killing and violence against small ethnic groups have increased alarmingly.

Prof Akmal Hossain, convener of the convention preparation committee, also spoke at the discussion.