Students fight for equality in Bangladesh | “We want justice, equality and security”

Afifa Anjum, a student of Independent University, yesterday stood before a crowd at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity and spoke about her participation in the July Movement.

With courage and conviction, she recounted how she and her friends bravely resisted the police and Chhatra League goons who tried to harm their colleagues.

For several days after August 5, Afifa believed she had achieved something monumental – a change towards a freer and fairer Bangladesh.

She expressed hope that women in the “new Bangladesh” will not have to worry about how to return home safely or about traveling alone.

However, recent events have made her realize that true women’s freedom is still a long way off.

She ended her speech by saying she was not sure if she would be able to return home safely after the incident. She referred to the recent rape of a 70-year-old woman in Suhrawardy Udyan.

“If we can ensure exemplary punishment for the few rape cases in the ‘new Bangladesh’, it could potentially reduce the incidence of sexual violence against women,” she said.

The event, organised by Outraged Women’s Community – a platform for women from all social classes who played a key role in the July protests – brought together a diverse group of participants.

Women leaders, activists, artists, journalists, sex workers, domestic workers, teachers, theatre activists, lawyers and family members of the July Movement martyrs came together to share their experiences, demands and visions for a safer and more just future.

Two advisors were also on site to listen to and respond to concerns raised.

Basketball player Ashreen Mridha highlighted the lack of support for female athletes, noting that of the 46 sports federations in Bangladesh, only 15-20 have dedicated wings for women. She raised issues of pay disparity, lack of female leadership and the need for more female-friendly facilities, such as gyms and transport.

“Age, marital status or motherhood should never be a barrier for female athletes,” she said.

She added that only 5 percent of the sports budget is allocated to women and youth.

Tanjiba Nowrin Tori of Independent University criticized the disrespect women experienced following their participation in the July protests, citing misogynistic attitudes.

Synthia Jahin Ayesha called for quota for women in the civil service and urged the government to address the specific challenges faced by rural women.

Family members of the July Martyrs also shared their grief, demanding justice, compensation and support for the victims.

Sabrina Shabonti, sister of 19-year-old martyr Mahmudur Rahman Saikat, demanded that women family members of martyrs be included in the Shaheed Smrity Foundation.

Advisor Sharmeen Murshid announced initial compensation for the families of martyrs, while Farida Akhter called for the establishment of a Women’s Rights Commission and increased representation of women in leadership positions.

Speakers also demanded the introduction of anti-mobbing policies, the abolition of discriminatory laws and increased representation of women in parliament, workplaces and local elections.