The Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal will work to eradicate rape, violence against women and children, and all forms of wrongdoing from society, said BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. He also called upon the leaders and activists of the organisation to highlight to the public the government’s welfare initiatives and programmes aimed at empowering women. Rizvi made the remarks at a rally-preceding gathering organised in front of the BNP central office in Nayapaltan, Dhaka, on Saturday (September 12) to mark the 48th founding anniversary of the Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal.

Rizvi said the organisation’s leaders and activists must play a responsible role in informing people about the government’s initiatives to ensure women’s civic and legal rights and to make them educated and financially self-reliant.

Referring to BNP leaders and activists as now being part of the government following the party’s return to power, he said, “You have contributed your blood and sweat to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government. Therefore, you are also a part of this government.”

“Being a part of the government does not necessarily mean holding a position or office. You can now speak freely, move around without obstruction, and women can also move around safely,” he said.

Recalling the sacrifices made by Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal leaders while BNP was in opposition, the BNP leader said many women leaders, including Afroza Abbas and Sultana Ahmed, were arrested, placed on remand and sent to jail during the movement.

“They were detained for months at DB offices and in prisons. Despite police cordons, repression, false cases and killings, they remained active on the streets,” Rizvi said.

Praising the capabilities of the women leaders, Rizvi said the district, metropolitan and central-level leaders of the Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal are highly qualified and equally capable of running the state and various institutions.

He said the organisation’s women leaders have successfully served in various positions, including as chairperson of the Jatiya Mahila Sangstha. He added that the election of women leaders such as Sultana Ahmed and Zerin Khan as members of parliament was a matter of pride for all members and activists of the organisation.

Emphasising women’s empowerment and financial independence, Rizvi said Begum Khaleda Zia, the mother of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, had introduced free education for girls up to the intermediate level during her tenure.

“Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has also announced that education for girls up to the degree and honours levels will be made free of cost. This is a groundbreaking initiative,” he said.

He further said that providing assistance to women from disadvantaged families through Family Cards was another major example of women’s empowerment.

Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal President Afroza Abbas, General Secretary Sultana Ahmed and leaders from different levels of the organisation were present at the gathering.