With the theme “equality for women is progress for all”, the International Women’s Day was observed yesterday across Bangladesh with a call for all to ensure women’s rights.
Various socio-cultural organisations arranged different events, including rallies and a boat race, highlighting women’s rights and the progress made by them in economic, social, political and other areas.
In the capital, many organisations held separate programmes at Shahbagh to mark the day.
The Centre for Men and Masculinities Studies, in collaboration with Dhaka University Model United Nations Association and United Nations Youth and Students Association of Bangladesh organised a rally and a procession on the DU campus.
Speaking to the occasion, National Human Rights Commission Chairman Mizanur Rahman said men have to play the most pivotal role in ensuring and protecting women’s dignity, rights and prestige in the 21st century.
Bikkhubdho Nari Samaj paraded through the city streets on trucks, calling for an end to violence against women and elimination of all kinds of discrimination. The women activists were accompanied by male supporters.
Biplobi Nari Shanghati brought out a torch procession in the evening.
At Jahangirnagar University, a colourful grand rally was brought out by hundreds of students, teachers, university officials and staff.
Addressing the rally, JU Vice Chancellor Farzana Islam, the country’s first female VC, said: “Women are human beings first. And if we consider them as human beings, discriminations would be eliminated.”
In Barisal, women participated in a country boat race on the Poisarhut River at Kadambari in Agoiljhara upazila. Wearing colourful outfits, singing and playing musical instruments, the women rowers raced their boats with lots of enthusiasm.
Taranga, a non-government organisation, arranged the race with 14 teams, which were named after native flowers.
Local people, especially female spectators and some foreigner guests, enjoyed the race from both sides of the river and cheered on the contestants by clapping, playing music or chanting slogans.
In Chapainawabganj, the district administration awarded five women for outstanding performances in their work and social life.
A women’s fair was organised in Pirojpur, while various events were held in Barguna.