‘It’s unacceptable, unconstitutional’

Namaz-e-Janaza (funeral prayers) and guard of honour are two different things, just like state and religion. Although he (Siddique) wanted to raise a religious issue here, he must acknowledge that a guard of honour has nothing to do with religion. It's about paying last respects to a freedom fighter on the state's behalf.

Khushi Kabir Nijera Kori Coordinator

Women rights activists and groups have expressed their shock and serious concern over an incident involving Krishak Sramik Janata League leader Abdul Kader Siddique, who prevented the Sakhipur Upazila Nirbahi Officer from performing a guard of honour for deceased freedom fighter Abdul Hamid, simply because the UNO was a woman.

According to news reports, Siddique also proposed that the guard of honour should be performed by a male official.

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad in a statement has deemed Siddique's actions as "unacceptable, unconstitutional, and against the human rights of women."

They have demanded that the government, administration, and political parties resist any such discriminatory practices.

Khushi Kabir, coordinator of Nijera Kori, described the incident as "disgraceful".

"Namaz-e-Janaza (funeral prayers) and guard of honour are two different things, just like state and religion. Although he (Siddique) wanted to raise a religious issue here, he must acknowledge that a guard of honour has nothing to do with religion. It's about paying last respects to a freedom fighter on the state's behalf," she explained.

"In a country, where the prime minister is a woman and receives guard of honour, it is difficult to comprehend how Kader Siddique could make such remarks," said Manusher Jonno Foundation Executive Director Shaheen Anam.

Shaheen Anam also opposed Kader Siddique's remark suggesting that women should not be present at funeral prayers.

"While women may not lead the funeral prayers, they certainly have the right to be present," she added.

Ain O Salish Kendra also condemned Siddique's behaviour as "undesirable" and "completely unacceptable."

It is worth noting that the parliamentary standing committee on the Liberation War ministry had recommended finding an "alternative" to female upazila nirbahi officers' (UNO) presence during the guard of honour performed for freedom fighters following their demise.

However, the recommendation was later cancelled following protests by rights activists.