Noakhali, March 8, 2025 – International Women’s Day was observed in Noakhali with a rally and discussion meeting, emphasizing the urgent need for women’s safety, strict implementation of laws, and speedy justice. The event, organized by NRDS (Noakhali Rural Development Society), was held under the theme “Rights, Equality, Empowerment, Development of Women and Girls” at the Noakhali Pourasava auditorium.
Grassroots representatives and speakers at the event highlighted the alarming rise in violence against women and girls across the country, including Noakhali. They called on the state to take immediate measures to ensure a safe environment for women and girls in public spaces, workplaces, educational institutions, and public transport.
Speakers expressed grave concern over the increasing incidents of rape, harassment, and violence against women, including the horrific targeting of even 4-year-old children. They also condemned the societal harassment women face for their clothing choices and criticized the lengthy judicial process that often allows criminals to evade accountability.
Advocate Habibur Rasul Mamun, one of the speakers, stressed the need for strict enforcement of laws and a faster justice delivery system to combat gender-based violence effectively. “Women and girls cannot wait any longer for justice. The state must ensure that perpetrators are punished swiftly and decisively,” he said.
Tarfina Shahnaz Rajab, another prominent speaker, highlighted the pervasive social, economic, and physical violence women face in Bangladesh and globally. She urged the government to implement policies that empower women politically and economically while challenging societal attitudes that perpetuate gender inequality.
The event also featured voices from grassroots activists, including Roushan Akhter Lucky, Advocate Fahmida Akhter Poli, and Tahmina Begum, who echoed the demand for women’s empowerment and safety. They emphasized the need for comprehensive measures to address gender-based violence and ensure women’s participation in all spheres of life.
The rally and discussion meeting were attended by a diverse group of participants, including Abdul Awal, Abu Naser Manju, Tinni Akhter, Sharmin Akhter, Razia Sultana, and Jannatul Ferdous, among others.
As International Women’s Day 2025 was celebrated worldwide, the event in Noakhali served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles women face and the collective responsibility to create a safer, more equitable society for all.
Key Demands from the Event:
- Ensure safety for women and girls in public spaces, workplaces, and educational institutions.
- Strict implementation of laws to prevent violence against women.
- Speedy justice for victims of gender-based violence.
- Empowerment of women through political and economic reforms.
- Elimination of societal attitudes that perpetuate gender inequality.
The event concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to build a society where women and girls can live with dignity, safety, and equality.
