Human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has observed that despite significant progress, Bangladesh still has a long way to go in ensuring the rights, dignity, and equality of women.
In a statement marking International Women’s Day on 8 March, the organisation noted that the day carries deep significance in the context of Bangladesh, where women have played a glorious role in every stage of progress, from the liberation struggle to state-building and economic development.
The active participation of women in agriculture, the garments industry, education, health, local government, entrepreneurship, and inward remittances has become a vital foundation for the country’s socio-economic advancement.
ASK highlighted that the increase in women’s participation in education and the workforce, alongside their presence at policy levels, serves as a strong example of positive change over recent decades.
Progress and persistent hurdles
Despite these strides, the rights of women and girls in Bangladesh face multi-dimensional challenges, including violence, rape, sexual harassment, child marriage, human trafficking, and domestic or online violence.
Victims are frequently deprived of justice due to social barriers, fear, and prolonged judicial processes. Furthermore, economic inequality, the lack of a safe working environment, and limited participation in decision-making processes remain significant hurdles to women’s empowerment.
ASK expressed deep concern regarding the recent emergence of misogynistic speech and behaviour on social media and other platforms, where derogatory comments concerning women’s attire and personal freedom have questioned their fundamental rights and dignity.
While these views do not reflect the values of the majority of people in Bangladesh, such trends could encourage a culture of discrimination and violence in society.
Constitutional and international mandates
The organisation emphasised the need for firm social and institutional stances against misogyny, in line with the principles of equality and dignity enshrined in the Constitution of Bangladesh.
Articles 27, 28, and 29 of the Constitution explicitly guarantee equality before the law, the prohibition of gender-based discrimination, and equal rights in state affairs.
Additionally, the state has committed to protecting women’s rights through international treaties, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
ASK believes that the effective implementation of laws is as crucial as their enactment to ensure these rights.
Call for structural reforms
To address these issues, ASK called for accessible and victim-friendly judicial processes, strengthened accountability for law enforcement agencies, and effective measures to prevent child marriage and human trafficking.
The organisation also stressed the importance of ensuring safety and dignity in the workplace as well as equal access to education and economic opportunities.
Ensuring the rights, dignity, and security of women is not merely a developmental goal but a fundamental condition for establishing a just, humane, and democratic state.
Ultimately, a collective and accountable effort from the state, civil society, and all citizens is essential to build a society free from discrimination and violence against women and girls.
