Birthday celebrated across country: BNP will take 5 measures to ensure women’s safety Tarique
Staff Reporter :
The 61st birthday of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman was observed across the country today.
The occasion was marked in a simple manner, as the BNP had instructed its leaders and activists not to organise any celebrations, including cake-cutting, for the day.
Tarique Rahman, the eldest son of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former three-time Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, was born on November 20, 1965.
Doa and discussions on the occasion of his birthday were held across the country on Thursday. BNP leaders and activists were present in those events with great enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that his party will implement five priority measures to ensure women’s safety at home, in workplaces, and in public spaces.
Tarique Rahman wrote in his verified facebook page on Thursday.
Tarique Rahman wrote, “If Bangladesh progresses, our daughters, mothers, sisters and colleagues should not have to live in an environment of fear.”
He added, “Every day, countless women face harassment, threats, intimidation and violence simply for speaking, working, studying or trying to live independently.” He said, “This is not the Bangladesh we dream of. Our daughters do not want such a future either.”
Tarique Rahman said that it cannot be denied that today’s digital world affects every aspect of our lives.
He added, “Sometimes my wife and I wonder how different today’s world is for our daughter compared to the time in which we grew up. Like many parents and conscious citizens, we feel both hope and concern. Opportunities are greater than ever, but risks have also increased.”
He then outlined the five urgent initiatives that the BNP plans to implement to ensure women’s safety if it comes to power.
The measures are: 1. National Online Safety System:
Establish a fast and easy mechanism for women to report cyberbullying, threats, impersonation, data leaks or similar abuses. This system will include a 24/7 hotline, an online portal, and trained personnel capable of responding promptly and consistently. Coordination with major platforms will improve Bangla-language content moderation and ensure rapid removal of abusive content.
2. Protection for women in social and political activities:
Develop national guidelines, rapid legal and digital support, and confidential reporting mechanisms to protect women participating in social activities-such as journalists, social workers, students or community leaders. No woman should be prevented from engaging in social or public awareness work.
3. Digital safety education:
Practical digital safety skills should be taught to students during school and university orientation sessions. Trained teachers will act as “safety focal points.” Annual awareness campaigns will help young people navigate the digital world with confidence.
4. Strong community response to violence and harassment:
Community help desks, safer roads and transport systems, improved street lighting, and trauma-sensitive responders (trained to assist women who face harassment or psychological distress) can make women’s daily lives safer and more seamless.
5. Comprehensive support for women’s leadership and participation:
Leadership training, mentorship networks, and expanding childcare facilities in schools, offices or any workplace will enable women’s leadership, success and full potential. When women advance, the nation advances.
Tarique Rahman called on everyone to work together to build a beautiful and safe Bangladesh for girls and future generations.
He said, “Whatever our politics, religion, ethnicity or gender may be, people believe that if we ensure women’s safety, opportunity and empowerment, Bangladesh will become unstoppable.”