Country’s leading women activists on Saturday urged the people to resist any move to implement the 13 point charter of the Hefazat e Islam, Bangladesh (HIB) which, they said, would destroy gender equality. They were addressing a rally of the women activists styled as ‘Protibadi Nari Samabesh’ organized by different women rights organisations. Ayesha Khanam, president of Bangladesh Mohila Parishad (BMP) on Sunday said that country’s democracy would not come to reality until development of women is ensured. “Democracy will not be established if the government cannot ensure women’s development.” Her comment came at a rally in front of the National Press Club organised by Protibadi Nari Samabesh with the theme on a non communal, democratic Bangladesh that can ensure equality of men and women and also to oppose Hefazat-e- Islam’s 13 point charter of demands that seeks to deny gender equality in Bangladesh.
The rally was kicked off at 3:00 pm with the presence of thousands of women.
Although the rally was originally scheduled for Apr 27, it was postponed twice; first due to the Rana Plaza collapse and then on account of strikes by Opposition parties.
Advocate Sultana Kamal, executive director of the Ain-o-Salish Kendro and former adviser, caretaker government said that the government did not keep its word as they said in their political manifesto that once they come to power they would restore the constitution of 1972 .
She said that the constitution still has only one religion; and that is Islam.
She also urged the government not to negotiate with any power which opposes the Liberation War. She noted that it is the responsibility of the government to ensure political, economic and social rights for every woman.
Advocate Salma Ali said that starting from the British Period women had been struggling for their rights till the present time. Mentioning the 13 point demand of the Hefazat she said that there are lots of laws relating to women’s rights which still need to be amended, so the country does not need new laws.
Tarana Halim MP said that the women of Bangladesh are successfully working in every sector of the society from UN peace mission to politics. She also said, “We have government, constitution to take care of the women folks of the country; we do not need any Hefazat-e-Islam to take care of them.
Shirin Akter, woman leader said, “If any one tries to snatch women power, all the progressive parties will destroy them.” She also noted that the politicians have started abusing the religion to grab power.
Selina Aktar, a garment activist said that Hefazat-e -Islam takes money from the Middle East and they are growing like a parasite.
-With The Independent input
