Dhaka: Fisheries and Livestock adviser Farida Akhter today emphasized the importance of women independently realizing their rights. Speaking at a discussion commemorating ‘International Women’s Day-2025’ at the livestock auditorium, she urged women not to lag in claiming their rights, highlighting the necessity of skill acquisition.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event was chaired by the Director of the Livestock Directorate, Dr Begum Shamsunnahar Ahmed, and featured speeches from Director General Dr Md Abu Sufian, Director (Admin) Dr Md Bayzar Rahman, Assistant Director of BCS Livestock Academy Dr Kawsain Mobassher, Dhaka District Livestock Officer Basana Akhter, and Deputy Director Dr Sharmin Samad.
Farida Akhter reassured the women officers and employees that if they take initiative in realizing their rights, she would support them with increased vigor. She stressed the importance of self-reliance in advocating for one’s rights.
Reflecting on the current situation, Akhter noted that this year’s International Women’s Day has been overshadowed by unfortunate events in the country, which have raised concerns about women’s security. She pointed out efforts by some groups to portray the country negatively by highlighting these incidents.
Akhter further addressed the need for direct elections for women in the Jatiya Sangsad, suggesting that the current system should be a temporary measure. She acknowledged the slow progress towards gender equality, warning that at the current pace, it might take until the next century to achieve it. She credited International Women’s Day for empowering women to voice their demands and rights.
Discussing gender issues, Akhter argued that fascism exists equally among men and women, attributing it to structural causes rather than individual blame. She lamented how these structural issues have led individuals to symbolize fascism, calling it an unfortunate reality.