Staff Reporter :
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has urged the nation to stand united against anti-women forces that seek to undermine progress in gender equality.
Speaking at the International Women’s Day award ceremony at Osmani Memorial Auditorium, he emphasised the need for collective action to combat oppression and discrimination against women.
“We must change the mindset of looking down on women. Otherwise, as a nation, we will have no future,” said Prof Yunus, stressing that ensuring women’s rights is crucial for building a just and prosperous Bangladesh.
He expressed concern over recent reports of violence against women, calling them alarming and contradictory to the vision of a “New Bangladesh.”
UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis, Dhaka University Professor Gitiara Nasreen, and Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Mamtaj Ahmed also addressed the event, chaired by Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid.
Prof Yunus highlighted the pivotal role women play in Bangladesh’s progress, overcoming societal hurdles to contribute in fields such as politics and the economy.
He warned that forces opposed to gender equality are attempting to destabilize the nation and called for vigilance to safeguard women and children.
He underscored the interim government’s commitment to protecting women’s rights, citing initiatives such as a national hotline for victims of violence, amendments to the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2010, and the formulation of the Sexual Harassment Prevention and Protection Act, 2025.
A reform commission on women’s affairs has also been established to recommend further policy improvements.
Recalling women’s contributions to national movements, Prof Yunus paid tribute to the female fighters of the Liberation War and the recent July Uprising.
He noted that, despite their significant role in these struggles, women continue to face inequalities in various sectors.
The government is working on economic empowerment programs, including microcredit initiatives, training schemes, and financial assistance for distressed mothers.
Prof Yunus praised the record participation of 27.4 lakh girls in the ‘Youth Festival 2025,’ where they showcased their talents in sports and cultural activities.
The enthusiastic public support, he said, demonstrated men’s growing endorsement of gender equality in Bangladesh.
Concluding his speech, he called for unity in the fight for women’s rights.
“The new Bangladesh we dream of will not be possible without the participation of women and ensuring their rights.
To establish these rights, men must work alongside women as fellow warriors,” he declared.
During the ceremony, Prof Yunus conferred the ‘Indomitable Women’s Award-2025’ on five distinguished women and the Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team for their contributions in various fields.
