Dhaka: Adviser to the Ministries of Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs, Sharmeen S Murshid, today emphasized the necessity of supporting the women of the country to prevent violence and repression against them. She highlighted the commitment to building a discrimination-free Bangladesh.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Sharmeen stated that the interim government is committed not just in words but in action, ensuring women’s safety, a secure working atmosphere, and their empowerment. She noted that the ILO Convention 190 aligns with Bangladesh’s commitment to gender equality and addressing gender-based violence and harassment in the workplace.
The Women and Children Affairs Adviser made these remarks during a dialogue on Convention 190 related to violence and harassment at the workplace, jointly organized by the Trade Union International Labour Standards Committee and the ILO Bangladesh Country Office at a city hotel. The event was attended by Labour and Employment Secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman, ILO Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen, Women Affairs Reform Commission Chief Shirin Parvin Haque, Trade Union International Labour Standard Committee member Chowdhury Ashikul Alam, and Executive Director of the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies Syed Sultan Ahmed, among others, as stated in a press release from the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.
Sharmeen mentioned that empowering women through ensured safety and security is imperative, and the authorities would remain accountable if they fail to provide a safe environment for women. She also noted ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Labour and Employment to amend the Labour Law, alongside the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs’ initiatives to prevent all forms of sexual harassment against women.
“We will rethink our approach in a new Bangladesh where women will be given equal opportunity in the workplace,” Sharmeen added. She expressed hope for strengthened laws, increased accountability, and the creation of a new Bangladesh through united efforts.