Dhaka: Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain today declared that the government will take strict action against all forms of violence against women, including rape, emphasizing that no leniency will be shown in this regard. “Preventing violence against women and combating drug abuse are among the government’s top priorities,” he stated during a meeting at the Women and Children Affairs Ministry on drafting an action plan for implementing the government’s 2026 election manifesto.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting took place in the ministry’s conference room in Dhaka, where the minister directed the launch of special nationwide programmes to raise public awareness and foster a social movement against violence targeting women. He also highlighted the importance of women’s economic empowerment, urging the development of training-based programmes and the expansion of market opportunities to increase employment for women.
Zahid instructed the Joyita Foundation to support women entrepreneurs and stressed the need to strengthen security and ensure a conducive environment in working women’s hostels. He called for expanding hostel capacity and extending such facilities to district levels. Emphasis was also placed on giving greater attention to reproductive health for women in rural and marginalized communities.
Newly appointed Secretary Yasmin Parvin and officials from various departments and agencies attended the meeting. The minister welcomed and congratulated Secretary Yasmin Parvin, instructing participants to prioritize key initiatives under the government’s 180-day action plan. On child development, Zahid urged expanding the Bangladesh Shishu Academy’s reach and implementing more effective initiatives to support children’s mental and cognitive development, including programmes for children with disabilities.
The minister further directed the development of action plans to improve day-care centers, considering the needs of working women’s children. He underscored that caregiving skills training for both women and men should be coordinated with the National Skill Development Authority to enhance skills development in this sector.