Women’s rights still face major challenges in Bangladesh despite progress: ASK

On the occasion of International Women's Day, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has said that despite notable progress, women's rights, dignity and equality in Bangladesh still face significant challenges.

In a press release marking International Women's Day today (8 March), the organisation said Bangladeshi women have made remarkable contributions to the country's liberation struggle, nation building, economic growth and social progress.

Women's roles in sectors such as agriculture, the garment industry, education, healthcare, local government, entrepreneurship and remittance earnings have become key pillars of the country's economic and social development, the statement noted.

ASK said increased participation of women in education and the workforce, along with their growing presence in policymaking, reflects important progress made over the past decades.

However, the organisation warned that violence and discrimination against women and girls remain widespread. Incidents of rape, sexual harassment, child marriage, human trafficking, domestic violence and online abuse continue to raise serious concern.

In many cases, victims are deprived of justice due to social stigma, fear and lengthy judicial processes, the statement added.

ASK also expressed concern over the rise of misogynistic comments and attitudes on social media, saying derogatory remarks about women's dress, mobility and personal freedom undermine their dignity and fundamental rights.

While such views do not reflect the values of the majority of people in Bangladesh, ASK cautioned that these trends could encourage discrimination and violence against women.

The organisation emphasised that the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees equality and non-discrimination, referring to Articles 27, 28 and 29, which ensure equality before the law, prohibit gender-based discrimination and guarantee equal opportunity in public employment.

Bangladesh is also committed to international agreements including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

ASK said that alongside enacting laws, effective implementation is essential to ensure women's rights.

It called for ensuring victim-friendly justice mechanisms, stronger accountability of law enforcement agencies, effective measures to prevent child marriage and human trafficking, safe working environments, and equal access to education and economic opportunities.

ASK stressed that ensuring women's rights, dignity and safety is not merely a development goal but a fundamental requirement for building a just, humane and democratic society.

It urged the state, civil society and citizens to take collective and responsible action to build a society free from violence and discrimination against women and girls.