Bangladesh Mahila Parishad Demands Curb on Misogynistic Campaigns as Violence Soars

DHAKA – The Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) has issued an urgent warning, stating that active “efforts are underway to establish a misogynistic culture” in society, contributing to a severe increase in violence against women and girls.

During a press conference held today, Tuesday, to mark the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the organization demanded that campaigns promoting misogyny must be “strictly curtailed” by the government.

Alarming Statistics: 2,468 Victims in 10 Months
The BMP presented a report summarizing violence against women and girls detailed in ten national media outlets from January to October of this year.

Total Victims: A total of 2,468 women and girls were victims of various forms of abuse during the ten-month period.

Sexual Violence: 713 victims were subjected to rape, gang rape, or suicide following sexual assault.

Widespread Abuse: Other recorded abuses included dowry-related violence, domestic abuse, murder, abduction, child marriage, sexual harassment, and cyber violence.

The organization also cited the latest Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) survey, which found that 76 per cent of women in the country have experienced some form of abuse or controlling behavior from close family members, primarily their husbands.

Rising Threats: Mob Violence and Misogynistic Rhetoric
BMP leaders highlighted two alarming trends:

Lawlessness: Joint General Secretary Masuda Rehana Begum noted that mob violence has become a major concern and is increasing at an alarming rate, representing a widespread trend of people taking the law into their own hands.

Social Encouragement: General Secretary Maleka Banu stated that society often justifies violence against women, which tragically encourages further abuse. She criticized the government’s silence against groups opposing the recommendations of the interim government’s Women’s Reform Commission.

BMP President Fauzia Moslem specifically questioned the motive behind a recent statement by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Amir Shafiqul Rahman suggesting a five-hour workday for women, asserting that the desire for freedom among women cannot be suppressed.

Key Demands for Change
The BMP’s 16-day program was launched under the slogan: “Say no to all forms of violence against women and girls, including cyber violence; ensure the advancement of women and girls.”

President Fauzia Moslem said that the following actions are essential:

Strictly suppress campaigns promoting misogyny.

Ensure proper implementation of existing laws.

Change patriarchal mindsets.

Mobilize societal institutions to act against violence.

Joint General Secretary Seema Moslem added that real empowerment requires women to gain decision-making power. She called for reserved seats in the National Parliament to be filled through direct elections, arguing that only elected women can truly represent women’s interests.

The report concluded that violence against women threatens societal development, increases social instability, and obstructs the progress of the state.