Call to root out war criminals

"We will restore the land of secularism where there will be no room for war collaborators, oppressors, extremists or militants as the man and woman will play the role of warriors to root out the war criminals," said Shirin Akhtar, co-ordinator of Nari Sangram Committee.

Nari Sangram Committee, a platform of different organisations working to achieve political empowerment of women, organised the discussion in commemoration of Awami League leader Ivy Rahman and others killed in August 21 grenade attack.

Paying tribute to Ivy Rahman, the speakers stressed the need for empowering women in the political sphere.

Mahbuba Parveen, a victim of the grenade attack who is now passing her days in the abyss of misery with numerous splinters in her body, recalled the memory of Ivy Rahman and depicted her plight.

Hazera Sultana, general secretary of Nari Mukti Sangsad, strongly criticised the government for amending the Women Development Policy 1997, saying that the amendment is designed to keep women in confinement and hold them back from the struggle of achieving their rights.

"Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in collusion with Jamaat leaders is trying to foil the advancement made by women organisations in the field of women's empowerment," she said.

Tasmima Hossain, editor of the Annanya, said, "We have established democracy, but the people's rights are yet to be ensured. We achieved the glorious victory through blood bath, but now the people are being killed."

The speakers also called for direct election to parliamentary seats reserved for women, restoration of Women Development Policy 1997 and immediate arrest of the masterminds behind the grenade attack.

Sculptor and freedom fighter Ferdousi Priyobhasini, Executive Director of Anannya Dil Monwara Monu, President of Bangladesh Mahila Samity Selina Khaleque and AL leader Dr Dipu Moni also spoke at the discussion moderated by Afroza Rina.