Women leaders, activists, and professionals gathered in front of the National Museum in Shahbagh on Friday, stating that efforts to reduce women’s working hours are an attempt to push women “back into darkness” and restrict their independence. Participants emphasized that whether women work outside the home or stay at home is a woman’s personal choice.
The demonstration, titled “Growing Violence and Disrespect Against Women: A Conscious Women’s Society Ready to Resist,” was organized by the Women and Children’s Rights Forum. Participants formed a silent procession, wore black cloths, and chanted slogans including: “Five, nine, eight — who are you to say?”
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, attending as chief guest, said that some political groups were using religion to control women and limit their mobility. He added that proposals to reduce women’s working hours would ultimately reduce women’s employment opportunities.
Forum convener Selima Rahman, who presided over the rally, said that despite expectations following the July uprising, “women are being pushed back again,” and called for continued collective resistance. Speakers across the program emphasized that women’s rights are human rights, and that decisions about employment, mobility, and household responsibilities belong to women themselves.
Speakers included Nipun Roy Chowdhury, PSC member Saima Ferdous, Professor Nahrin Islam Khan, Mother’s Call coordinator Sanjida Islam, DUCSSU Research and Publications Secretary Sanjida Ahmed, and several others. They collectively urged women to raise their voices against discrimination and violence.
Bangladesh Feminist Archives 