Women affairs reform: 67 rights groups condemn backlash

Samajik Protirodh Committee (Committee for Social Resistance), a platform of 67 women's rights, human rights, and development organisations, has condemned the derogatory comments about women and acts of aggression surrounding the recommendations of Women's Affairs Reform Commission.

In a statement on Sunday, the committee expressed grave concern over a rally, organised by Hefazat-e-Islam on May 3, where demands were made to dissolve the women's reform commission and reject its reform proposals.

The platform referred to a recent incident near the Raju Bhashkorjo at Dhaka University during the rally, describing the acts committed there as "appalling, disgraceful, and shocking to the entire female community".

It mentioned that while 11 reform commissions have been formed by this interim government, and 10 have already submitted their reports without any resistance, only the Women's Affairs Reform Commission's report has been met with such "violent and regressive backlash" from certain quarters.

"The misogynistic and undemocratic campaigns are not only unconstitutional but also pose a direct threat to gender equality and human rights," said Fauzia Moslem, president of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, speaking on behalf of the platform.

The Samajik Protirodh Committee also criticised the government's silence and inaction in the face of what it termed "grave injustices and barbarism" against half of the country's population.

It urged the government to take immediate and effective steps to build a gender-equal, secular, democratic, and humane state.

The statement concluded with a call for all democratic and progressive forces in the country to unite in resisting anti-women, fundamentalist activities and upholding the principles of equality and justice.

The statement was made by Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), Steps Towards Development, BRAC, Bangladesh Nari Pragati Sangha, Women for Women, CARE Bangladesh, Karmojibi Nari, National Workers Alliance, Concern Worldwide, IED, Bangladesh National Women Lawyers' Association, Nijera Kori, Manusher Jonno Foundation, Dhaka YWCA, Palli Daridro Bimochon Foundation, Oxfam GB, ActionAid Bangladesh, The Hunger Project Bangladesh, Aawaj Foundation, PRIP Trust, ADD Bangladesh, World Vision, Campaign for Popular Education, Nagorik Uddyog, National Council of Disabled Women, SARI, BAWSE, Fortnightly Anannya, ACD Rajshahi, Brotee, Nari Maitree, WAVE Foundation, Equity and Justice Working Group, Bangladesh Nari Sangbadik Kendra (Women Journalists' Center), Nari Uddyog Kendra (Women's Initiative Center), National Women Workers Alliance, Sammilito Samajik Andolon, Bangladesh Trade Union Centre, National Women's Alliance, Shakti Foundation, BPW Club, Udichi Shilpigosthi, Acid Survivors Foundation, Nari Mukti Sangsad, Seba Nari o Shishu Kallyan Kendra, DRRA, Amrai Pari, Bangladesh Adivasi Forum, Soroptimist International Club, BILS, ADAB, FPAB (Family Planning Association of Bangladesh), YWCA of Bangladesh, Dalit Women Forum, Deepto: A Foundation for Development, Aparajeyo Bangladesh, BLAST (Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust), Turning Point Center for Men and Masculinities Studies, Save the Children, Abhijan, Indigenous Women Network, Disabled Welfare Society, Nari Oikya (Women's Unity), Pallima Mahila Parishad, Pragrasor.