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Hostility Towards Women on the Rise: Mahila Parishad Urges Action Amid Surge in Violence and Bigotry

In a stark warning to policymakers and civil society, the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) has raised alarm over the growing hostility towards women across the country. Citing an alarming rise in gender-based violence (GBV), misogynistic rhetoric, and societal restrictions on women’s freedom, the organisation has called on the government to take urgent and coordinated action to protect women’s rights and ensure their safety.

At a press briefing held at the National Press Club in Dhaka on Monday, the BMP revealed a chilling statistic: 442 women and girls were victims of violence in March 2025 alone. Among them, 163 were raped—with 36 incidents of gang rape, including 18 minors. In two cases, the victims were murdered post-assault, while two others died by suicide following sexual violence.

“Violence against women is at an all-time high, yet no effective action is being taken,” said Rabeya Khatun Shanti, BMP’s movement secretary. “Misogyny is no longer hidden; it is visible in public speech, policy decisions, and even the classroom.”

Religious Bigotry, Gender Injustice and Systemic Neglect

The BMP linked the increase in violence to a broader climate of intolerance, including religious fundamentalism and conservative pushback against gender equality. The organisation condemned the use of cultural and religious values as tools to suppress women’s rights—from SRHR (Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights) to workplace participation.

“Women’s rights are being silenced under the pretext of preserving ‘social values’,” noted Maleka Banu, BMP’s General Secretary. “This is not just about physical violence. It’s about the systematic denial of health access, reproductive autonomy, and political representation.”

BMP also demanded reinstatement of the 60% recruitment quota for women in primary school teaching, a policy dropped in the 2025 teacher recruitment rules. This move, according to the group, undermines women’s economic participation and entrenches gender disparities in education.

A Call for Collective Action

BMP President Fauzia Moslem stressed that ending violence against women requires collective responsibility. “This is not just a women’s issue. It’s a social failure. And no state that ignores Goal 5 of the SDGs — Gender Equality can expect sustainable development.”

The organisation’s seven-point recommendation includes:

  • Strict legal action against misogynistic propaganda

  • Justice for victims of GBV

  • Measures against mob violence

  • Restoring order in educational institutions

  • Resisting fundamentalist unrest

  • Guaranteeing media freedom

  • Ensuring a just, equitable society

As Bangladesh grapples with rising violence, the demands from BMP echo a deeper truth: gender justice cannot be sidelined in the name of tradition, politics, or faith.

Source: The Daily Star

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