Expressing their anger, women leaders questioned whether they are in Gaza, Kashmir, or Syria, stating that people in independent Bangladesh are not safe. They made these remarks at a press conference organized under the banner of Angry Women’s Society yesterday. The event, held with the slogan “Account for All Bodies, Stop Arrests and Torture,” emphasized that people in Bangladesh sacrificed their lives for independence, yet now they are losing their lives fighting for their rights.
At the press conference held at Nasrul Hamid Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity yesterday, they expressed their anger at the current situation. They declared their solidarity with the anti-discrimination student movement and extended their condolences to the families of those killed and injured in the movement.
Highlighting the alarming situation in Bangladesh, they said that blood is being shed. Since July 17, police, BDR, and the army have been using armed attacks on unarmed people in an unprecedented manner to suppress the anti-discrimination student movement demanding fair and reasonable quota reforms. The government has used law enforcement agencies alongside activists from Chhatra League, Jubo League, Mahila League, and other affiliated organizations of the Awami League to harm the public. Female students have been particularly targeted, and even female organization members expressing solidarity have been attacked.
Commenting on recent acts of sabotage, they criticized the government for refusing to take responsibility, stating that deploying police, BGB, and the army, especially in Dhaka, has created a war-like situation. Protesters seeking medical treatment in hospitals have also been attacked or detained, creating unprecedented fear by imposing curfews and issuing shoot-on-sight orders. They questioned whether they are living in Gaza, Kashmir, or Syria.
Stating that the protesters committed no crimes, they mentioned that the demands were made in an organized manner. These students represent the country’s future, yet they are being abducted from their homes and subjected to block raids and mass arrests. Post-arrest, they face severe torture under the pretext of remand, with many disappearing for over 24 hours without any information. The government is gravely violating human rights by enforcing such disappearances.
The press conference put forward six demands:
- Acceptance of the nine-point demands of the anti-discrimination student movement.
- Unconditional release of all detained students.
- Investigation into the police shootings.
- Withdrawal of curfews and removal of BGB and army forces.
- Ensuring the safety of ordinary people’s lives.
- Stopping the threats to general students from various agencies.
Speakers at the event included writer and researcher Rehnuma Ahmed, labor movement leader Taslima Akhtar, economist Maha Mirza, Bhanishikha Jamali, Naripokkho founding member Shirin Haque, election observer and Brac’s chief executive officer Sharmin Murshid, Jannatul Mawa, Naripokkho’s Jahanara Khatun, Jagannath University teacher Bithi Ghosh, Krishnakoli, and student Bushra. The event was moderated by Farida Akhtar, executive director of Narigrantha Prabartana.
After the press conference, a group of the Angry Women’s Society moved towards the High Court to join the anti-discrimination student movement’s March for Justice program but were stopped by the police in front of the Press Club.
