Women's rights group demands legal action against Hefazat, others over 'misogynistic' remarks
Women's rights group Bangladesh Nari Mukti Kendra staged a protest rally in Dhaka today (6 May), demanding legal action against Hefazat-e-Islam and others responsible for "making misogynistic statements and insulting women".
The rally took place in front of the National Press Club at 4pm, presided over by the organisation's president Seema Dutta, reads a press release.
Central Publicity and Publication Secretary Sushmita Roy Supti, Samajtantrik Chhatra Front Finance Secretary Naushin Mustari Sathi, and Organising Secretary Pragati Barman Toma spoke at the rally among others.
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The speakers called on the government to issue an official press note denouncing the misogynistic remarks.
They also urged the government to ensure the protection, dignity, and rights of women in the country.
Earlier in the day, Hefazat-e-Islam expressed regret over the "unexpected and offensive" rhetoric used by two speakers at its grand rally held at the capital's Suhrawardy Udyan on 3 May.
"Hefazat does not endorse such unwanted remarks," said its Joint Secretary General Maulana Azizul Haque Islamabadi in a media statement today.
The Hefazat statement came after six women, including three leaders from the National Citizen Party (NCP), sent a legal notice to the Islamist organisation yesterday, accusing them of insulting women at the public meeting.
The notice was sent by NCP leaders Syeda Nilima Dola, Dyuti Aranya Chowdhury, and Nila Afroz, as well as cultural personalities Umme Rayhana, Umme Farhana, and Kameliya Sharmin Chura.
