'Ensure women empowerment to stop repression
They said the incidents of repression of women and children have increased during the rule of BNP-Jamaat alliance government due to state-sponsored violence and political vindictiveness.
The Awami League organised the roundtable on 'Women and children repression' at the National Press Club in the city.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The four-party alliance government has pushed the country to the brink of a disaster, said AL General Secretary Abdul Jalil.
"The AL is now working together with 14 opposition parties to establish a democratic government and all should be untied to restore the spirit of the liberation war," he said.
AAMS Arefin Siddiqui, president of Dhaka University Teachers' Association, said those who are now in power are involved in repression of women.
Dr Hamida Hossain called for strict enforcement of laws to contain violence against women and children.
Social support is also needed for the victims, she added.
Presenting a keynote paper, Dr Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury said that nowadays women not only are repressed but also fell victim to religious fundamentalism and terrorism.
She said they are also attacked while taking part in processions and that women of minority groups are being tortured due to state-sponsored violence and political vindictiveness.
The fatwa issue should be dealt with internationally and the issue of divorce should be brought under the court, said Mahbubey Alam, president of the Supreme Court Bar Association.
He also called for raising awareness to ensure women's right to inheritance.
The speakers also urged all to unite against the fundamentalist forces in order to establish a democratic government.
AL presidium member Zohra Tazuddin presided over the roundtable.
Former vice-chancellor of Dhaka University Prof AK Azad Chowdhury, Advocate Sahara Khatun, AL Joint General Secretary Obaidul Kader, Farook Khan MP, Tanjib Ahmed Sohel Taj, Dr Makhduma Nargis, General Secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad Ayesha Khanam, Executive Director of Ain O Shalish Kendra (ASK) Sultana Kamal and President of Karmojibi Nari Shirin Akhter took part in the discussion.