United News of Bangladesh

Economist Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya on Saturday (8th November 2025) urged political parties to make a firm commitment in their election manifestos to eradicate all forms of discrimination from the country’s legal and social frameworks. “Political parties have to pledge to eradicate discrimination from the legal context in their election manifestos,” said Dr Debapriya, Convener of the Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh. He emphasised that the Citizen’s Platform is dedicated to eliminating discrimination in every form within legal and societal structures, and that the inclusion of such commitments in election manifestos would represent a strong step towards implementation in the future. Interim govt pursuing reforms without engaging stakeholders: Debapriya Dr Debapriya made the remarks while addressing the opening session of a dialogue titled “Elimination of Discrimination in Bangladesh: Legal Context, Current Reality, and Way Forward.” He highlighted the gap between constitutional promises and the lived realities of marginalised and vulnerable communities across the country. Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh organised the event in collaboration with the Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), Manusher Jonno Foundation, and Nagorik Uddyog (Citizen’s Initiative), with support from Switzerland and UNDP. Read more: Bangladesh Election: EC to begin political dialogues this week  

Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) has congratulated the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) on the landmark findings of its first Household Production Satellite Accounts (HPSA). The report values unpaid household work at a staggering Tk. 670,000 crore, equivalent to 18.9% of the nation's GDP, bringing long-overdue recognition to the invisible labour that underpins the economy. The BBS report reveals that the monetary value of unpaid household work alone stands at Tk. 400,000 crore, with women contributing the vast majority of Tk. 340,000 crore. This data provides official validation for the crucial, yet historically overlooked, economic contribution of women. MJF commended the government's commitment to this issue and acknowledged the vital support provided by UN Women and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in producing this historic report. Shaheen Anam, Executive Director of MJF, hailed the report's release as a pivotal moment for gender equality in Bangladesh. "This is a historic moment when women’s unrecognized and undervalued household work will finally get the national attention it deserves," said Anam. "We believe this will play a crucial role in changing society’s attitude towards women and girls. It will bring more recognition and appreciation for women engaged in household work, which is both productive and reproductive." Khagrachhari rape underscores grave threat to women and children’s safety: MJF The findings are a significant milestone for MJF’s long-standing "Equality through Dignity" campaign. Launched in 2013, the campaign has tirelessly advocated for recognizing women's contributions to enhance their status within the family and society, and ultimately, to reduce violence and discrimination against them. The BBS survey results validate years of dedicated advocacy by MJF and many other civil society organizations. Looking ahead, MJF urged the government to act on the report's recommendations. The foundation strongly supports the call to establish an inter-ministerial mechanism to integrate unpaid work into national laws and policies, ensure adequate budget allocation, and commit to regular data collection to track progress. MJF hopes these crucial next steps will be followed up and implemented swiftly to translate this data into meaningful change.

Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) on Sunday expressed grave concern over the safety of the family of  rape and murder victim in Magura Asiya and urged the authorities to take immediate and effective steps to ensure their protection. The rights organisation particularly drew attention to the vulnerability of the victim’s 14-year-old elder sister who is also a child bride and now faces threats and intimidation, said a press release. In a statement, MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam said the family is under “real and imminent threats” of violence and harassment from the relatives of the convicted perpetrator—who also happen to be the in-laws of the victim’s sister. “These threats are especially alarming as the main accused has been convicted, while other accused family members have been acquitted of all charges,” she said. Magura court sets May 17 to deliver verdict in Asiya rape- murder case “The fear of retaliation expressed by the family must not be taken lightly,” Anam said urging law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and decisively to prevent any further violence or harassment against the already traumatised family. MJF also voiced concern over the broader issues of gender-based violence and violations of child rights in the country, noting that the case highlights the persistent challenges of child rape and child marriage. The organisation called on the government to clarify what concrete steps are being taken to prevent such violations and to uphold the safety and dignity of vulnerable girls across Bangladesh.

Between April and October last year, at least 13,886 children were married off in 21 districts when Bangladesh was grappling with Coronavirus in its initial stage, according to a survey.

Women still have to confront discrimination and harassment at workplaces despite contributing to social development and welfare from their respective position, speakers at a webinar said Saturday.

Education Minister Dipu Moni on Saturday called upon guardians, teachers and health workers to create awareness among adolescents about safe sexual and reproductive health.

Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC) hosted a virtual graduation ceremony on Friday.

Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) on Thursday urged the government to reform rape laws, enact witness protection laws, and complete investigations and trial in a timely manner.

At least 626 children were “sexually abused” during January-December last year despite the closure of educational institutions and the absence of public gatherings amid the pandemic.

Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) on Sunday honoured 10 Heroes of the Covid Pandemic, who came forward voluntarily in providing food, cash livelihood and health support, stood up against stigmatization of certain groups, or stopped and prevented child marriages including violence against women and girls.