Together they march for democracy

Women from different strata of life brought out a procession in the capital yesterday, demanding that the government create an environment for  democratic practices in  the society to uphold  dignity and rights of women.

At the "Women's March for Democracy", they said it is not possible to ensure justice for women without a democratic state and system.

The procession was organised under the banner of International Women's Day Committee.

It started from Shaheed Noor Hossain Chattar and ended  at Suhrawardy Udyan, according to a declaration paper provided during  the procession. The platform comprises 50 bodies including organisations,  alliances, networks and forums working on rights issues, it said.

The event also marked International Women's Day 2021, celebrated on March 8.

Saying freedom of voices of dissent and tolerant mentalities are imperative for democracy, the platform members demanded state  initiative to create democratic culture.

Democracy has to be established in the governing system while  democratic values must spread everywhere through education and cultural  activities, it said.

The platform members demanded repeal of all "repressive" laws  including the Digital Security Act, terming DSA "undemocratic" and a  threat to every woman.

Besides, it demanded amendment of all "discriminatory" laws  regarding women in line with the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

Demonstrators at the march stressed decentralisation of the government to make way for women's participation in the governing system. Besides, they demanded increasing the number of judges and tribunals to reduce backlog of rape and repression cases.