'It's completely contrary to New Bangladesh dream': CA Yunus about recent attacks on women

The recent heinous attacks on women are "deeply disturbing" and this is completely contrary to the dream of a "New Bangladesh" that the people of the country have, said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus today (8 March).

"We are committed to establishing equal rights for all men and women in this 'New Bangladesh'. We will use all our strength to establish these rights," he said.

Yunus made the remarks while addressing an award ceremony, marking International Women's Day, where he honoured outstanding women with the "Indomitable Women's Award-2025" for their significant contributions to various fields.

The awards have been given as part of the government's initiative to pay due respect and inspire women by recognising their contributions.

The ceremony was held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the city.

"However, if we want to prevent violence against women, oppression of women, and build a discrimination-free, beautiful Bangladesh, there is no alternative but to stand by women and support them," he said.

Dr Yunus urged men to come forward with enthusiastic cooperation to establish the rightful place of women in society.

"In the 'New Bangladesh' we want to build our hopeful family anew which is a family with guaranteed and recognised rights of all parents, brothers and sisters," he said.

The Chief Adviser said that International Women's Day reminds them anew of the history of women's struggle and gives them inspiration and courage.

Urging those who are working to establish women's rights in the society, Dr Yunus said, "No matter how many obstacles we face, we will make the full use of the opportunity that history has given us. We will build a new Bangladesh. This is our promise."

The Chief Adviser said the women of the country are playing an important role in their respective fields with great courage, and they are contributing to the overall progress of the country, including politics and economy, by overcoming hundreds of obstacles.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus with recipients of "Indomitable Women's Award-2025" on 8 March. Photo: Focus Bangla

He mentioned that a few days ago, a record number of women participated in the 'Youth Festival 2025' organised across the country with the aim of energizing the power of youth to build a new Bangladesh.

In this festival, 2.74 million girls from different parts of the country participated in about 3,000 sports and cultural activities. People from all walks of life of this country sat in the audience and encouraged them.

"The presence of thousands of spectators proves that men also have spontaneous support for establishing women's rights and participation in Bangladeshi society," Dr Yunus said.

He said the fallen dictatorship is investing a huge amount of money to create anarchy in the country.

"We must be as vigilant now as we were in a war-like situation. Be extremely vigilant in protecting the safety of women and children. Build social unity against oppression. Stand by each other. Cooperate with the government to build a beautiful and peaceful society," said the Chief Adviser.

In today's world, Dr Yunus said, women have had to achieve all of their rights and freedoms through their movements and struggles.

In Bangladesh, he said, women have also been struggling for their rights for centuries. From the anti-British movement to the Language Movement and in the Liberation War, the women's community of Bangla has played an active role.

"We have forgotten many heroic women in history, we do not know about their contributions. But we will never let the leadership and sacrifice of the July daughters be forgotten," he said.

Dr Yunus said the women who participated in the July Uprising have told him about their struggles, hopes and aspirations at different times.

"The New Bangladesh that we dream of building will not be possible without the participation of women and ensuring their rights. To establish these rights, men must also work as fellow fighters with women," he said.

Dr Yunus extended his greetings and congratulations to all women of all ages, including school-college-university students, employees, workers, and housewives of the country on this special day.

At the beginning, he remembered with deep respect the heroic martyrs of the great Liberation War and paid special tribute to the women who fought in 1971.

Dr Yunus also remembered with respect the martyrs and injured in the July Uprising and said women of this country were in the forefront of the impossible that the students, workers, and the people of Bangladesh achieved together in the July Uprising. "Our girls stood like the Himalayas in front of the deadly weapons of the fascist forces."

"Today, I remember those martyred women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the July Uprising. I pay tribute to the women fighters who were injured in July. I pray that they can return to a healthy and normal life soon," Dr Yunus said, adding that preventing violence against women is one of the government's priorities.

Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid chaired the event, which was attended by members of the Advisory Council, foreign diplomats stationed in Dhaka, women leaders, and senior government officials.

Sharifa Sultana, Halima Begum, Marina Besra, Lipi Begum, Muhin Mohona, and players of the Bangladesh National Women's Cricket team are among the recipients of the awards.

UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis and Prof Gitiara Nasreen of Dhaka University's mass Communication and journalism department spoke as special guests, while Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Mamtaj Ahmed delivered welcome remarks.

A documentary was screened at the event. A powerful and emotional cultural event was also held highlighting the July uprising.

Earlier, in a message marking International Women's Day, celebrated on 8 March, Yunus emphasised that the interim government is diligently working towards the goal of building a developed Bangladesh by harnessing the potential and skills of women in productive work.

"The women of Bangladesh will advance alongside the developed world to realize the vision of a prosperous Bangladesh. This should be our commitment to their development and empowerment," he said.

This year's theme for the day is "For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment."

Yunus highlighted the achievements of Bangladeshi women, noting that many girls from the country are making their mark on the international stage, gaining recognition beyond national borders.

He also pointed out the numerous initiatives undertaken to honour women's contributions, such as the Indomitable Women's Award and the Begum Rokeya Padak.

The chief adviser noted the significant role women played in the mass uprising of July-August last year, where students, workers, and the public rallied for democratic transformation.

"Women were at the forefront of this movement," he said. "Many have sacrificed their lives, and I respectfully remember those martyrs and offer my condolences to the July fighters."

Yunus acknowledged that women represent half of the country's population and are making strides across various sectors.

The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, he mentioned, is carrying out numerous initiatives to increase women's participation in all fields, including economic development. These include shelter homes for distressed women, Women's Support Centers providing legal aid, housing for working women, and microcredit programs designed to foster self-employment and financial independence. These efforts contribute significantly to women's social security and economic empowerment, he said.

International Women's Day, celebrated worldwide, is a day to recognise women's achievements irrespective of divisions such as national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic, or political backgrounds.

Since its inception, Women's Day has evolved into a global event, embraced by women in both developed and developing countries.

The movement, reinforced by four United Nations women's conferences, has helped shape the day into a platform for advocating women's rights and encouraging their participation in political and economic arenas.

Officially recognised by the United Nations in 1977, International Women's Day traces its roots to the labour movements in North America and Europe at the turn of the twentieth century.