Dhaka: Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid today called upon the country’s girls to speak out and stand up against violence, drawing inspiration from the bravery they showed during the July uprising. “All forms of violence against women and children must be prevented through collective efforts. Girls must raise their voices and take a stand against such violence-just as many did last July, demonstrating courage, protest, and a call for change. These girls are not merely protesters; they are the architects of our future,” she said.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Sharmeen Murshid, also the Adviser of the Ministry of Social Welfare, made this call while speaking as the chief guest at the National Workshop on Prevention of Violence Against Children and Women, organized by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs at Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Centre, said a ministry press release. She emphasized that the government alone can’t prevent violence against women and children, stating, “We seek to begin this new journey through the collective efforts of every individual, every family, community, and people from all walks of life. We envision a new Bangladesh-one rooted in care, compassion, and justice.”
She highlighted the government’s commitment to creating a safe haven for women and children in the vision of a new Bangladesh, inspired by the spirit of the July uprising. Sharmeen Murshid mentioned women and children face violence and abuse in various settings such as families, workplaces, public spaces, public transport, educational institutions, and online platforms. She emphasized that violence against women and children is a clear violation of human rights.
In line with its official mandate, the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs is responsible for protecting women and children by implementing effective measures to prevent all forms of violence against them. To this end, the ministry has launched several new initiatives. Following the July uprising, the vision is to create a new Bangladesh free from violence and grounded in equality, where every woman and child is protected and can grow up with security, dignity, and the shelter of love.
The ministry has formed Quick Response Teams from the union to the central level to ensure immediate integrated services to prevent violence against women and children. It has expanded its activities from the union level to the community level at the ward level through social forces. Services provided include medical services, psychosocial counselling, legal services, police assistance, legal aid, shelter services, economic and social reintegration, and DNA testing facilities through the One-Stop Crisis Centre. Additionally, referral services are provided to survivors through the One-Stop Crisis Cell, and psychosocial services are offered through the National and Regional Trauma Counselling Centre.
Other initiatives include DNA profiling, a toll-free 109 helpline, establishment of safe shelter homes, community hubs, and various expert pools under different units. Daily reports on violence and continuous follow-up of sensitive cases are prepared to ensure proper implementation of laws and regulations.
The event, chaired by Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Momtaz Ahmed, was addressed by several advisers and officials, including Religious Affairs Adviser Dr A F M Khalid Hossain, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter, and Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder. Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Dr Prakash Kanti Chowdhury delivered the welcome address. Representatives from various ministries, organizations, civil society, educational institutions, and media were present at the event.