Moitree Jatra: 50 progressive groups extend solidarity

Fifty progressive organisations, comprising women, workers, cultural activists, students, and professionals, have expressed solidarity with the "Nareer Dake Moitree Jatra" (March for Women's Solidarity), scheduled for 3:00pm today on Manik Mia Avenue in the capital.

Speaking at a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity yesterday, Shima Datta, president of Bangladesh Nari Mukti Kendra, said the most remarkable feature of the event is its diverse leadership.

"This programme is being organised at the call of women from a wide spectrum of classes, professions, and political views," she said.

Speakers criticised the exclusion of women from governance since the July uprising, despite their pivotal involvement. "Women have been systematically sidelined. We are protesting this exclusion and broader discrimination," said Shima. She added that patriarchal forces are exploiting weak institutions while capitalism commodifies women and denies them social and economic security.

Citing attacks on sex workers last August, Shima alleged government failure to protect them from mob violence. She said women have repeatedly faced assault—including disruption of girls' football matches, harassment for smoking, forced religious conversions, and sexual violence against women and girls from ethnic communities.

"Instead of protecting the victims, the government is sheltering perpetrators," she alleged. Legal action came only when social media outrage forced attention, she added.

Mushrefa Mishu, president of Garments Sramik Oikya Forum, said certain Islamist groups are misusing religion to justify women's oppression. "We will gather at Manik Mia Avenue to demand our rights," she said.

The 50 supporting organisations include: Bangladesh Student Union, Democratic Student Council, Biplobi Chhatro Moitri, Samajtantrik Chhatro Front, Hill Women's Federation, TSU, CPB Women's Cell, Nari Mukti Kendra, Garments Sramik Oikya Forum, Biplobi Nari Forum, Garments Shromik Mukti Andolon, Bangladesh Garments Sramik Textile Federation, Biborton, Udichi, Charon Sanskritik Kendra, Adivasi Union, Cha Shramik Dosh Dofa Bastobayan Committee, Bostibashi Union, Samajtantrik Mohila Forum, Garments Workers' Union, SPACE – A Foundation for Peace and Care, Doctors' Platform for People's Health, Bangladesh Hawkers' Union, Garments Sramik Trade Union Kendra, Shaheed Asad Parishad, Ganosangskriti Kendra, Sanghoti Sanskritik Sangshad, Ronesh Dashgupta Film Society, Women Resource Network (CHT), Biggan Andolon Manch, Bangladesh Theatre, Bangladesh Nari Andolon, Dhaka Drama, Samaj Anushilon Kendra, Progoti Lekhok Sangha, Samaj Chinta Forum, Madol, Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani Parishad, Biborton Natyagoshthi, Songjogar, Dhaboman, Shramik Karmachari Songram Parishad, Rickshaw-Van-Easy Bike Workers' Union, Biggan Charcha Kendra, Health Service Forum, Biplobi Nari Mukti, Jonobashya, Biplobi Chhatra Andolon, and Bonhi Shikha.