Fight communalism for empowerment

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairman Prof Mizanur Rahman yesterday urged women to prevent communalism and extremism so that their empowerment and development are not hindered.
“The condition of Bangladeshi women depends on how united we can stand against communalism,” Prof Mizan said at a seminar titled “Empowerment of Women in Bangladesh: Expectation and Achievement”.  NHRC organised the seminar in Cirdap auditorium in the capital.
On Taslima Nasrin, a Bangladeshi-born writer living in exile, Mizan said she fought for women's rights, and asked what Bangladeshi women did for her.
Ayesha Khanam, president of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, emphasised changes in the existing political and social structures for women's empowerment.    
She called for direct elections to the reserved seats for women in the parliament.
Veteran journalist Abed Khan said the patriarchal attitude Bangladesh has should be changed for women's empowerment and development.
Former foreign minister Dipu Moni presented the keynote paper.
NHRC members--Aroma Dutta and Nirupa Dewan--, among others, spoke at the programme.