BNP leaders Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday said that violence against women and children in Bangladesh has increased at an alarming rate and urged the government to take tougher measures to tackle it.

"The role of women in the July Uprising has been recognised by the United Nations, all media in Bangladesh, political parties, social forces, and human rights organisations,” he said while speaking at an event titled "Indomitable Women, Invincible in Strength."

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) organised the event at TSC on the occasion of International Women's Day on Saturday.

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The UN fact-finding investigation report has acknowledged that women and children in this country were killed by gunfire from the sky. A significant portion of those martyred in the July Uprising were women and children, he said.

These women have always been at the forefront of our democratic and independence movements. “Women have led from the front in various movements at Dhaka University, the cradle of revolutions. Women have made the lion’s share of contributions to our achieved victory."

Salahuddin went on to say, "As a party, we had proposed a 31-point reform plan long ago, in which we pledged to empower women constitutionally, legislatively, institutionally, and in parliament. The rate of empowerment will increase compared to before."

"In the constitutional reform commission, we have proposed increasing the number of women in parliament to enhance their parliamentary empowerment. Women’s participation in legal and various democratic institutions will also increase."

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Emphasising the progress of women, he said, "Women constitute half of the population of the country and the world. The more we advance their prosperity and progress, the more the country and the world will advance. This is our duty, and we will never recognise discrimination here."

Salahuddin expressed deep concern over the growing incidents of violence against women and children in Bangladesh.

He insisted that the government must take firm steps to curb these issues; otherwise, Bangladesh’s image both domestically and internationally would be tarnished.

The BNP leader called upon all authorities of the interim government and law enforcement agencies, saying, "Conduct thorough investigations to uncover the mysteries behind each incident and determine whether the remnants of fallen fascism are involved in any conspiracy. Ensure that Bangladesh’s situation does not become unstable and that the country’s reputation remains intact. Maintain law and order with a firm hand."

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Dhaka University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Sayma Haque Bidisha, BNP's National Standing Committee member Begum Selima Rahman, BNP's National Executive Committee's Student Affairs Secretary Rakibul Islam Bakul, among others, were present at the event.