Gitiara Nasreen dismayed by govt's silence over attacks on women's commission

Gitiara Nasreen, a Dhaka University teacher and member of the Media Reform Commission, has expressed disappointment over the interim government's silence following criticism and attacks on the Women's Affairs Reform Commission after it submitted its report.

"A commission was formed, and it was the interim government that formed it. That very commission is now being directly attacked, but there has been no clear statement about it. In such a situation, it becomes difficult for us to remain hopeful," she said during a dialogue between the National Consensus Commission and civil society at the Krishibid Institution this morning.

"After the Women's Commission submitted its report, they faced direct attacks. There can be differences of opinion, but a commission was formed, it worked with equal dedication, took everyone's views into account, and submitted a report. Then suddenly, demands are made to abolish that commission. It raises the question: are we not even able to create a space for rational thinking?" Gitiara said.

"There may be debates, there may be questions about any commission's report. But instead, what we're seeing is neglect and attack. And unfortunately, we still haven't seen the current government speak clearly on this, to say that this should not be allowed," she added.

She voiced particular concern about the marginalisation of women despite their active role in the July mass movements.

"My concern is: how are the opinions and security of ordinary people being perceived? First and foremost, I must highlight the issue of women, because we have been witnessing their marginalisation from the very beginning. During the recent uprising, we saw a massive presence of women. But afterwards, in almost every sphere – including in the commissions – we have seen extreme marginalisation of women. Except for the Women's Commission, female representation everywhere else is low. So, from the outset, a specific stance has been taken regarding women's voices and positions, which is alarming to us," she said.

She called on political parties to come forward with clear positions on women's rights and inclusion.

"What I want to hear clearly from political parties is: what is their position on the discrimination faced by women? They must clearly state their stance on women's issues. They need to come forward for dialogue."

Gitiara also questioned the possibility of fair elections under the current state of the media.

"We get information from the media, and the related reform commission's report has said what immediate steps are needed. I simply want to ask the political parties: in the current state of the media, is it even possible to hold a free and fair election?"