Women leaders and activists of Kushtia Socheton Nagorik Somaj (Kushtia Conscious Civil Society) held a protest demonstration and rally in Kushtia on Thursday, demanding the resignation and trial of Kushtia-3 (Sadar) Member of Parliament Amir Hamza.
The protest procession, featuring over a hundred women under the banner of the organisation, began at around 11am from the city’s Panch Rastar Mor, paraded along various main streets, and concluded at the Pourashava (Municipality) premises, where the rally took place.
During the programme, the venue echoed with slogans demanding the trial of a “womaniser, characterless person, liar and lecher”, as well as chants calling for Hamza to be slapped with shoes.
Addressing the rally, speakers said that respectful behaviour towards women is expected from a public representative like Amir Hamza.
However, they noted that his comments regarding women at various events, including waz mahfils (religious gatherings), were disrespectful, unacceptable, and directly undermined the honour and dignity of women.
The speakers emphasised that women constitute half of the population and that protecting their dignity is everyone’s responsibility, stressing that no one who disrespects women can serve as a public representative.
Expecting responsible and decent statements from an MP, they demanded a proper investigation into his remarks to bring him under accountability.
The rally formally called for Hamza’s resignation from parliament and urged the relevant authorities to take necessary action against him, while warning of a larger movement if disrespectful comments against women continue.
Attempts to reach Amir Hamza on his mobile phone for comment were unsuccessful as his phone was found switched off.
The demonstration was attended by Kushtia Socheton Nagorik Somaj Convener Kumkum Rahman, Member Secretary Latifa Akter Rosy, and women leaders Nilufa and Mollika Begum Tania, alongside other leaders of the organisation.
