Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan said on Saturday that there would be no gender-based discrimination in New Bangladesh following the July Uprising.

The adviser said that women's presence at all levels would be guaranteed to ensure the success of the major reform programmes undertaken by the government.

He made the remarks during the "Best Self-reliant Women Award 2025" event, organised by LGED in Dhaka, marking International Women's Day 2025 at LGED Bhaban.

Sajeeb Bhuiyan, also adviser to Youth and Sports, said that it is now widely recognised that preventing women from participating in power and decision-making processes hinders the development progress of the entire nation, particularly when women make up about 51 percent of the country's population.

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He also said that just as independence was achieved through the combined efforts of men and women, a new victory was realised in 2024.

In the post-July uprising, however, some individuals are attempting to disrupt security by exploiting religion and negatively portraying women's clothing and behaviour.

He called on law enforcement agencies to take strong action against the wrongdoers, and assured that exemplary punishment would be ensured in recent cases of rape involving women and children.

The local government adviser also expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the 10 women honoured with the Best Self-Reliant Women Award.

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He urged them to inspire other women, encouraging them to turn their lives around as they had done.  

The adviser also urged the officials concerned to prioritize increasing the number of women involved in all LGED activities.