International Protest Day against Repression of Women
A programme of Baul songs to convey messages to the common people about the necessity to stop violence, oppression, repression and sexual harassment of women, was held at Kalibari area in the town on November 25. Marking the International Protest Day against Repression of Women, Alokito Manush Prokalpa organised the programme.
Eminent Baul artistes Mohammad Zainal Uddin, Khokon Sarker and Shamsun Nahar rendered Baul songs composed on the negative effects of repression of women. The drum beats in particular, played by Raj Kumar, entertained the audience the most.
A discussion was held, attended by Lokman Hossain Miah as chief guest. Among others, Abul Kalam, secretary Nagorik Andolan; Zobaida Khatun, field coordinator of Alokito Manush Prokalpa; advocate Nazrul Islam Chunnu; Kamrun Nahar of CARE Bangladesh; Ferdous Ara Mahmuda Helen president of Bangladesh Mohila Parishad; spoke on the occasion.
Earlier, a colourful rally was taken out from the Town Hall premises. The rally was attended by several NGOs and socio-cultural organisations.
Incidents of sexual harassment and repression of women have increased in recent months and if this trend continues, anti-social elements will be encouraged to commit more such heinous crimes.
The families of girls are tensed to send their children to school, fearing that they will fall victim to stalkers, said the speakers. They also called upon influential personalities not to shelter the stalkers. They stressed the need to create awareness among the commoners as part of a social movement .
Terming repression of women a social curse, the speakers added that such ills should be eliminated to maintain social peace and prosperity, they went on.
In this competitive world, girls need to be educated and the state should step in to provide them with greater scope for education, the speakers concluded.
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