The Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP), a prominent women’s rights group, organised a human chain protest in front of the National Press Club on Monday afternoon to condemn escalating violence against minority communities and unacceptable statements targeting women’s issues.
The event, held at 3pm, drew attention to the deteriorating human rights situation amid the upcoming February 12 national elections, with participants calling for an end to communal tensions and gender-based discrimination.
The protest was presided over by BMP President Dr. Fauzia Moslem, who led a chorus of voices demanding accountability from political parties and the Election Commission. Following the human chain, demonstrators marched from the Press Club to Paltan Mor, chanting slogans such as “Stop using indecent language against women,” “Stand together against communal violence,” and “End the use of religion in politics.”
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In her address, Dr. Moslem described the current wave of violence—spanning religious, caste, class, and gender lines—as unprecedented in Bangladesh’s history, particularly in the lead-up to the polls. She criticised political parties for subtly incorporating violence into their election campaigns, despite existing codes of conduct enforced by the Election Commission. “Derogatory statements against women in election campaigns violate these rules,” she said, questioning the Commission’s response to such breaches.
Dr. Moslem urged a shift in focus from divisive comments on women’s attire, behaviour, or mobility to emphasising leadership qualities and protecting women’s rights and dignity. She highlighted the need for leaders to address issues like child marriage and violence against women, while stressing the intertwined legacy of the 1971 Liberation War with Bangladesh’s identity. “We must unite to thwart all conspiracies against the Liberation War and establish democracy and justice in the country,” she appealed.
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BMP General Secretary Maleka Banu echoed these concerns, noting that the nation has endured over a year and a half of uncertainty in anticipation of the elections. She expressed scepticism about the interim government’s Election Commission’s commitment, capability, and accountability in curbing the rising incidents of minority persecution across the country. “A fearful environment is being created nationwide on the eve of elections,” Banu said, pointing to daily reports of attacks on minorities and a surge in violence against women.
Banu warned of resurgent forces opposed to the 1971 Liberation War, which she accused of seeking to erase women’s hard-won achievements by confining them to domestic roles and undermining their political, economic, and social empowerment. “These groups view women as objects of consumption and aim to subjugate them,” she stated, calling on women’s groups and the broader society to remain vigilant. She expressed hope for a non-communal, democratic election under the Commission’s oversight.
Other speakers, including Joint General Secretaries Seema Moslem and Advocate Masuda Rehana, Legal Aid Secretary Rekha Saha, and Dhaka Metropolitan Committee General Secretary Rehana Yunus, referenced recent assaults on minorities and cultural sites. They questioned whether these incidents signal a regression to “barbaric medieval times” after 54 years of independence. “Attempts to send women back home, despite their contributions to the economy, will not be tolerated,” they asserted collectively. The speakers emphasised that women are not just women but full citizens of the nation, urging everyone to resist minority persecution and derogatory attitudes from their respective positions.
The event saw participation from representatives of allied organisations, including the Trade Union Centre, Dhaka YWCA, Green Voice, and Bonhishikha, alongside BMP’s central and Dhaka metropolitan committee leaders, editorial staff, and officials. Journalists from print and electronic media were also present. The program was moderated by Jana Goswami, BMP’s Advocacy and Networking Director.
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