The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Liberation War Affairs Ministry has dropped its recommendation that had called for barring female officials from attending guard of honour to late freedom fighters, following widespread criticism.
On Sunday, the motion was removed from the minutes of the June 13 meeting when it was tabled, according to media reports.
When 1971 war veterans pass away, the district or upazila authorities honour them on behalf of the state.
According to state honour regulations, government officials such as deputy commissioners (DCs) or upazila executive officers (UNOs) place flowers on the coffin.
As DCs and UNOs, numerous women currently lead administrations in several districts and upazilas.
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Many raise questions when a female official goes to present the guard of honour because women are not permitted to attend funeral prayers in line with Islamic rules, according to committee Chairman Shahjahan Khan.
Rights organizations and netizens on social media had slammed the idea, claiming that it will only increase religious fundamentalism.
Some MPs also joined the chorus of opposition to the proposal, urging Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to intervene.
Later, Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam stated that the government would look into the matter properly.
“A committee member brought up the topic for debate. Today (Sunday), the minutes of the meeting were approved. That plan has been dropped,” Shahjahan confirmed.