Women demand equal rights, end to violence

Human chains, processions and rallies in districts

8 March 2009, 18:00 PM

Star National Desk

Protyasha Protibandhi Nari Parishad forms a human chain in front of Rangpur Press Club yesterday demanding six reserved seats in parliament for physically challenged women and ensuring their participation in all local government bodies. Photo: STAR

International Women's Day was observed in districts across the country yesterday with a call to join hands for an end to violence against women and ensure their equal rights in all spheres of life. Various programmes, including rallies, processions, discussion meetings, seminars, cultural functions and art competitions, marked the day. Several hundred female students of Rajshahi University yesterday urged the government to implement Women's Development Policy of 1997 to ensure gender equality in the society, reports RU correspondent. They formed a human chain on the Central Library premises and later held a rally at the same venue. Speakers at the rally said democracy cannot be established without ensuring women's rights in the country. They also demanded repeal of 'sun set law' for female students of RU. The female students urged the progressive forces to stay united against repression on woman and press the government for implementation of the Women's Development Policy in the country. Earlier, they brought out a procession that paraded the campus. Our Staff Correspondent from Khulna reported that Sammonito Nari Samaj arranged a discussion at Umesh Chandra Public Library auditorium in observance of the day. Speaking at the discussion, KCC Mayor Talukder Abdul Khaleque said as women account for half of the population, the overall development of the country will not be possible if they lag behind. He critised the political parties for not fulfilling their pledge to ensure women's rights as per constitution of the country. The discussion was followed by a painting contest participated by students from class one to class five. Leaders of the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) at a discussion meeting at Khagrachhari yesterday demanded due role of indigenous women in socio-development projects in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). They also urged the government to take necessary steps to protect culture and heritages of 11 ethnic communities living in Khagrachhari, Rangamati and Banderban hill districts. Later, several hundred indigenous women took out a procession in the town marking the International Women's Day. The day was observed in Dinajpur with a call for ensuring equal rights of women in the society. Different government and non-governmental organisations brought out processions and arranged cultural programme and art competitions at the district and upazila headquarters in observance of the day, according to our correspondent. Dinajpur deputy commissioner's office, District Women Walfare Department, Rangpur-Dinajpur Rural Service (RDRS), NGO Network and Durbar Network organised the programmes. Similar programme was also observed in Patuakhali, Pabna, Jhenidah, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Thakurgaon, Tangail, Barisal, Comilla, B' baria, Mymensingh, Jhalakathi, Manikganj and Netrakona.