A seminar was held in remembrance of late poet Sufia Kamal on the occasion of her 15th death anniversary yesterday at CIRDAP auditorium in the capital, with the theme “We want effective participation of men and young generation to prevent and eliminate aggression against women.”
Addressing the event, Sultana Kamal, executive director of Ain O Salish Kendra, said: “The current situation is not safe for women. They are getting sexually assaulted everywhere. Even older women are not spared from the torture.”
“Women have progressed in the fields of science, education, culture and politics everywhere. Yet they are suffering from prejudice against them. Our men and young generation have to come forward to resolve this situation,” she said.
Ayesha Khanam, chairman of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, said: “Sultana Kamal dedicated her life to eradicate discrimination against women, build a secular society and establish democracy. We have to implement her ideals in our lives.”
Abdul Qaiyum, associate editor of Prothom Alo, said: “Sufia Kamal endured two struggles at the same time: one was against the Pakistan government, and the other was against our society to establish women’s rights.”
A minute of silence was observed in the late poet’s memory as well.
Organised by Samajik Protirodh Committee, the seminar was attended by more than 70 women’s and human rights organisations. Selina Khalek, former chairman of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, presided over the event.
