Rajshahi: Speakers at a dialogue in Rajshahi today stressed the need to ensure the rights, dignity, and safety of women and girls to achieve sustainable development. They emphasized that women constitute half of the population, and without their active participation and empowerment, no country or society can achieve sustainable and inclusive development.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the remarks were made at a dialogue titled “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls,” held at a hotel in Rajshahi city to mark International Women’s Day 2026. The dialogue was organized by Barendra Economic Development Organization (BEDO) under its Freedom of Expression for Digital Democracy Project. Executive Director of BEDO Aminul Islam chaired the program, while Deputy Director of the Department of Youth Development in Rajshahi Md. Shariful Islam addressed the event as the chief guest.
Among others, Executive Director of Barendra Unnayan Prochesta Faizullah Chowdhury, Editor of the daily Sonar Desh Akbarul Hasan Millat, and President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad Kalpana Roy spoke as special guests. Saiful Islam, Project Manager of BEDO’s Freedom of Expression for Digital Democracy Project, presented the keynote paper at the dialogue.
Speakers noted the pressing need to ensure equal rights for women in all sectors, including education, healthcare, employment, leadership, and security. They highlighted that creating equal opportunities for women benefits not only individuals but also families, communities, and the nation as a whole, stressing that sustainable development cannot be achieved by leaving women behind.
The importance of ensuring women’s safety both inside and outside the home to make development initiatives effective was also discussed. The speakers addressed the challenges posed by social harassment, online character assassination, and cyberbullying against women, urging effective steps to prevent such crimes.
Referring to child marriage as a major challenge for girls, they emphasized the need to address the issue through strict enforcement of laws and increased social awareness. They called for eliminating gender discrimination that still persists in workplaces, families, and society to ensure justice and equality.
The speakers urged that protecting the rights of women and girls should not be limited to a single day’s observance but must become a continuous social commitment. They asserted that violence, discrimination, and injustice against women and girls must be stopped while their dignity and safety should be ensured at every level of family, educational institutions, workplaces, and society.
They further stated that a just and prosperous society can be built by strengthening legal protection, raising public awareness, and ensuring women’s economic empowerment. The significance of ensuring education and protection for girls was underscored, noting that today’s girls are the future leaders and a vital driving force of national development.
During the open discussion, social activists and development workers including Afzal Hossain, Rajkumar Shaon, Advocate Kaniz Fatema, Kazi Nazmul Islam, Mohona, and Samrat Raihan also spoke.