‘Take action against those who incite hatred’

Twenty-two female professionals have demanded that the government investigate and take appropriate legal action against those who incite hatred and issue threats against the Women's Affairs Reform Commission.

In a joint statement issued yesterday, they said the state must publicly reaffirm that reforms regarding women's rights issues will continue, even in the face of extremist threats.

They also emphasised the need for both social and legal action against derogatory remarks about women.

The statement said it is natural and expected for the Women's Affairs Reform Commission to come up with women-friendly proposals.

"There is no reason to think that all proposals from the commission will be equally accepted by all. Debate and discussion on contested proposals are essential for the democratic development of Bangladesh," it said.

"But we are observing that whenever it comes to establishing women's rights, a group rises against it without any divine knowledge. Will they face difficulties if women's rights are ensured? Are they not part of this society?" the statement read.

"They want to abolish the entire commission without offering any argument. Why this evil conspiracy? Is it truly a reflection of religious belief? Not at all. All religions preach equality," the statement continued.

"We believe their hatred and violence toward women have become evident. By portraying women in a degrading manner through their speeches, they reveal their personal mindset, consciousness, and political narrowness. They even dream of running the state while holding such disrespectful views about women," said the signatories.

"They fail to realise how absurd it is to imagine governing a country while excluding or marginalising 51 percent of its population."

The women professionals added, "These individuals lack the wisdom, generosity, tolerance, and respect needed for political leadership. Shouting cannot make one acceptable to the people."

"If they have the courage, they should attend a dialogue with the women's commission and explain the reasons for their objections and prove their capability," the statement said.

The 22 signatories are -- Syeda Ratna, environmental and cultural activist; Sultana Begum, garment workers' movement organiser; Ishrat Jahan Prachi, human rights activist and lawyer; Nazifa Tasnim Khanam Tisha, theatre activist; Layeka Bashir, teacher and cultural activist; anthropologist Dr Nasrin Siraj; Barrister Tabassum Mehnaz, lawyer and rights activist; journalist Syedia Gulrukh; Hana Shams Ahmed, researcher and rights activist; anthropologist Nasrin Khandaker; photographer Jannatul Mawa; Adiba Raisa, development officer; Kavya Krittika, researcher and teacher; Syeda Noor-E-Raihan, independent contractor; Arunima Tahsin, researcher and activist; Amina Sultana Sonia, activist and development worker; artist Tarannum Nibir; Uzma Tashrian, rights activist; Barrister Nusrat Meraji; Trishia Nashtaran, feminist organiser and futurist; Samina Luthfa, professor of Dhaka University; and Mirza Taslima Sultana, professor of anthropology at Jahangirnagar University.