Rangpur: Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid has called for collective efforts to create a safe, non-discriminatory, and developed Bangladesh for women and children, in line with the spirit of the July Uprising. "We want to build a Bangladesh where women and children can walk freely in the open air," she stated while addressing a view-sharing meeting titled 'Government in the Line of the People for the Protection of Marginalized Disabled, Women and Children' at the Rangpur Medical College auditorium.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Sharmeen paid tribute to the martyrs and activists of the July Uprising, including Abu Sayeed, noting that the youth-led uprising against injustice has set the country on a new path. She emphasized that the opportunity created by the youth through the July Uprising to form a new Bangladesh requires everyone's cooperation to be fully realized.
Sharmeen highlighted that the interim government is working to implement structural changes in the country through new laws, policies, and reforms. On the subject of the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections, she affirmed the readiness of both the interim government and the Election Commission. "We must have faith in the government. If any mistake occurs, journalists are there to point it out," she remarked.
She stressed that political parties bear the greatest responsibility in ensuring a peaceful election atmosphere, urging them to act democratically, remain tolerant, and fulfill their duties responsibly. "We expect them not to create chaos that forces the state to struggle to maintain order," she added.
Addressing the rising rate of violence against women and children, Sharmeen emphasized the need for community vigilance. She advocated for the formation of guards in every neighborhood and village, and for state institutions to work closely with society.
Sharmeen also expressed her intention to bring the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs closer to the people with a Quick Response Strategy. "Wherever violence against women and children occurs, the Quick Response Team will reach the spot within 24 hours," she promised.
Later in the evening, she attended another view-sharing meeting with officials and beneficiaries of the Child Sensitive Social Protection in Bangladesh (CSPB) Phase II project at the same venue. Participants recited the youth oath titled 'Women and Children's Safety and New Social Contract'.
Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Enamul Ahsan presided over the event, with Rangpur Medical College Principal Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Vice-Principal Professor Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain, and Most. Zilufa Sultana, Director of the Department of Social Services (Rangpur Division), present as special guests.