Bangladesh Nari Progati Sangha (BNPS) has celebrated International Women’s Day 2015 on the theme “Equal Rights of Women, Minorities and Marginal Communities is one of the main conditions of the spirit of liberation war and democracy”. In this regard, BNPS was conducted a day-long colorful program including one and half thousands of grassroots women gathering, rally, entrepreneurship fair, art competition and cultural activities with grassroots women, youth, male and other civil society members.

The day-long program was held at Basabo Community Centre, Sabujbag, Dhaka and Ms Shahnewaz Dilruba Khan, Regional Executive Officer, Region 2, Dhaka South City Corporation attended the program as chief guest and inaugurated the program by releasing of pigeons and hundreds of colored gas balloons. Renowned cultural activist and vice chairperson of BNPS Executive Committee Ms. Afroza Banu presided over the program and Shahnaz Sumi, Deputy Director of BNPS facilitated the whole program.

Ms. Arafat Begum, Chairperson of Sufia Kamal Grass-roots Women Group; Ms. Sharmin, Member of Mother Teresa Youth Club; Mr. Taijul Islam, Chairperson of Uday Community Forum; Ms. Supria Bhattarchaya, Chairperson of Dhaka Mahanagar Committee of Hindu, Buddha, Christian Unity Council; Md. Hafizur Rahman, Founder of Pallima Sangshad; and Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Sub-Inspector of Sabujbag Thana, Dhaka delivered their speeches with different directives to address the issues of women development and ending violence against women. In addition, government officials, development organizations, women leaders and local people also participated in this program.

Ms. Afroza Banu told that, Government and political party have to be more careful and responsible to eliminate all sorts of discrimination against women, minorities and disadvantaged people to build an equitable society in the spirit of liberation war and democracy. We have to ensure fundamental rights for all people.

Chief Guest Ms. Shahnewaz Dilruba Khan expressed that half of the population of this country are women. Bangladeshi women have immense contributions in all sectors like social, political, economic, art and culture. The contribution and sacrifice of women stood as huge strength behind glorious national movements including language movement, liberation war as well as nation building and development activities. Bangladesh has achieved tremendous progress in spite of hundreds of problems and obstacles only due to the active participation of women by the side of men in all development sectors. But it is also a bitter truth that the contributions of women are not recognized properly both in family and outside. Women in Bangladesh are still insecure everywhere at home, outside and workplace. They are victim of different forms of exploitation, deprivation, wage discrimination and violence. We have to work all together to eliminate all sorts of discrimination against women and girls.

The participants of the program raised voice for establishing equal rights for women, minorities and marginalized people and to eliminate all sorts of discrimination against women. Besides, the program also demanded for complete approval and implementation of CEDAW convention, equal inheritance rights, representation of ethnic and minority communities, disable and trans-gender in national parliament and local government bodies. In addition, the program suggested stopping immediately current brutal violence and taking proper legal action those who are guilty.