The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Speakers at a seminar here on Wednesday stressed the need for proper enforcement of laws to check violence against women.

They also suggested raising social awareness and strengthening activities of the law-enforcement agencies against the crime.

Family Planning Association of Bangladesh (FPAB) arranged the seminar on 'Prevention of Violence against Women and Role of Law- Enforcement Agencies and Legal Aid Workers in Protecting Rights of Reproductive Health'.

Justice Golam Rabbani attended the function as the chief guest with FPAB Vice-President Papri Basu in the chair.

The seminar was addressed by Professor Mahmuda Islam of Women and Gender Studies Department of Dhaka University, Honourary Secretary of FPAB Rokhsana Rahman Hasi, eminent writer Dr Maleka Begum, Professor Mizanur Rahman of Dhaka University, Assistant Editor of Jugantar Sohrab Hasan and Project Manager of Second Urban Primary Health Care Project of Dhaka City Corporation M Habibur Rahman.

Emphasizing family law in the country, Justice Golam Rabbani said it would ensure women's rights and check violence against them.

Presenting the keynote paper at the seminar, former adviser of the caretaker government Dhiraj Kumar Nath said raising voice against violence towards women is everyone's moral responsibility.

He said legal aid workers and law enforces could play a significant role in stopping violence against women and establishing the rights of their reproductive health.

Underscoring the need for political commitment towards women development, Prof Mahmuda Islam said priority would have to be given to women in taking decisions.

To bring the women in the mainstream of development, she said, there is a need for providing different facilities, including education and health for them.