BNP on Sunday alleged that the current “autocratic regime” is endangering the lives of women and children in the country.
“During the BNP government, it was a very peaceful time. But now, no one is safe because of the autocratic regime, including women and children,” BNP Vice Chairperson Selima Rahman claimed.
She also claimed that female civil society members were not playing a vital role in preventing the torture of women and children.
The BNP vice chairperson made the comment during a discussion at the National Press Club.
Also addressing the discussion, BNP Standing Committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said: “The first female prime minister of Bangladesh was BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. BNP introduced women empowerment to the country.”
“We expected our chairperson to be released on bail, but the government did not allow it. They did not let Khaleda Zia participate in the election because they have no faith in the people of Bangladesh,” he added.
Former MP Rasheda Begum Hira claimed women who were involved in politics were being tortured nationwide, as evidenced by the filing of “false cases” against the BNP chairperson
“In the recent general election, female candidates from BNP faced significant torture. The party candidate from Dhaka 9 constituency Afroza Abbas, and Sansila Jebrin Priyanka from Sherpur 1 were attacked by ruling party cadres on several occasions,” she added.
“According to the police headquarters report 2018, more than 19,000 rape cases have been filed in the last five years. A woman in Noakhali was gang-raped because she voted for the sheaf of paddy,” Rasheda further said.
Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Mohila Dal President Afroza Abbas said: “There is currently an environment of fear for women everywhere. Ruling party cadres attacked me 10 times during my election campaign.”
“Free education for women was introduced by former prime minister Khaleda Zia. The number of seats for women was also increased from 30 to 45 by our chairperson,” she added.
