Backlash rooted in gender bias: speakers

The extremist backlash against the Women's Affairs Reform Commission reflects deep-rooted gender inequality in society, said Sharmeen S Murshid, adviser to the women and children affairs ministry, yesterday.

Speaking at a dialogue titled "Her Dignity, Her Rights: Unite for Stopping Violence Against Women and Children," Murshid said the recent controversy shows who is against equal rights and how political and religious ideas are being used to block women's empowerment, especially during a time of national unrest.

"The gender divide is not just on the streets or in the fields; it is something we confront daily in our personal and professional lives," she said.

The event was jointly organised by Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) and eight partner organisations -- BRAC, Educo, Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), NETZ Bangladesh, Oxfam in Bangladesh, Plan International Bangladesh, Save the Children-Bangladesh, and Sightsavers Bangladesh.

It was held at the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation Auditorium, Parjatan Bhaban, capital's Agargaon.

Referring to the backlash against around 10 out of the 423 recommendations made by the Women's Affairs Reform Commission, she called for "rational, evidence-based discussions involving experts and scholars," rather than emotionally charged or politically manipulated narratives.

"This commission has been, and continues to be, critically important -- more so than many others," she said.

Murshid also said 413 of the 423 recommendations have received broad support and are under active consideration.

"My ministry, along with relevant experts, is currently selecting which of these can be realistically implemented within the limited time we have. We are committed to enacting as many as possible."

This [women's affairs] commission has been, and continues to be, critically important -- more so than many others.

— Sharmeen Murshid Women and Children Affairs Adviser

She also said it is important to break social taboos and fear around discussing sensitive issues.

Speaking at the event, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said the women's rights movement is not the result of just nine months of work but has grown from many years of activism and struggle.

"The issues we haven't been able to resolve in decades cannot be expected to be solved overnight. If a formal process to address them has finally begun, it must be allowed to continue," she said.

As the process unfolds, there will naturally be obstacles, and those will spark debate over whether such resistance is justified or not. It is only through that debate and engagement that real change can take root, she said.

"If we expect immediate, straightforward solutions without working through the process, then there's no guarantee the change will be sustainable," she added.

She said while punishment can be a deterrent to violence against women, the deeper and more lasting solution lies in transforming the values of society itself.

While punishment can be a deterrent to violence against women, the deeper and more lasting solution lies in transforming the values of society itself.

— Syeda Rizwana Hasan Environment Adviser

TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman criticised the interim government's silence amid backlash against the commission's recommendations.

He criticised the key government figures, including the chief adviser, for not taking a clear stance on the issue despite championing women's rights for years

He asked whether those who led or supported the violent campaign against the commission now hold political influence within the government.

"If that is the case, has the government become hostage to them?" he asked.

"We strongly protest this and demand a clear and specific response from the government," he added.

Manusher Jonno Foundation Executive Director Shaheen Anam said last week, thousands of people -- women and men from both the hills and the plains, including women with disability and sex workers -- united to demand equal rights.

"As long as society does not treat women equally, whether at home, in communities, or at the state level, they will continue to be undervalued and denied their rightful dignity," she said.

"The high rates of domestic abuse show that women lack respect in their own homes. Child marriages reveal that young women are not given the honour, dignity, or importance they deserve, and are simply pushed through without care. That's why we demand equal rights," she added.

Legal expert Shahdeen Malik said in the past 12–15 years, "We want the death penalty" has become a common slogan. But research shows that harsher punishments often lead to lower conviction rates.

He pointed out that Bangladesh still follows the 1837 British-era Penal Code. It had six death penalty provisions, which have now grown to 38, showing a trend towards normalising extreme punishments.

"Justice should aim to prevent crime and reform offenders, not take revenge," he said. He cited a 2016–17 study where rape conviction rates fell to 3 percent after stricter laws were introduced, with 2 percent of those overturned in higher courts.

He suggested that moderate and enforceable sentences, like 7 years in prison, might be more effective than life terms or the death penalty.

Nijera Kori coordinator Khushi Kabir strongly criticised the use of religion to spread misogynistic rhetoric and hate speech through sermons, emphasising the urgent need for a clear and unequivocal stance on the issue.

DIG Taptun Nasreen said while Bangladesh has strong laws to protect women, weak enforcement and slow trials, often lasting 5 to 7 years, are major issues.

Victims and witnesses often drop out due to pressure, lack of support, or delays, Nasreen said.

The event ended with a declaration which called for zero tolerance of violence against women and children, urging legal reforms, faster justice, and an end to misogynistic propaganda.

It demanded safe workplaces, equal pay, stronger child marriage laws, better crisis support, and access to education. It also stressed the need to resist politicisation, strengthen law enforcement, and improve coordination for protection.

The event was moderated by CAMPE executive director Rasheda K Chowdhury and presided over by economist Hossain Zillur Rahman.