BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that the party will implement five priority measures to ensure women’s safety across all spheres of life—online, offline, at work, in public spaces, and in personal and professional environments. He emphasized that the country cannot truly advance if mothers, sisters, daughters, and female colleagues are forced to live in fear. In a message posted on his verified Facebook page on Thursday (20 November) marking his 61st birthday, he made these commitments. Calling for urgent national action to strengthen women’s safety and empowerment, he said countless women are subjected to harassment, threats, intimidation and violence every day—simply for speaking, working, studying, or trying to live freely. “This is not the Bangladesh that the BNP envisions, nor is it the future our daughters aspire to,” he said, adding that the digital world now profoundly influences every aspect of life.
Tarique Rahman noted that he and his wife often reflect on how different today’s world is for their daughter compared to the environment in which they grew up. While opportunities have expanded, so have the risks, leaving many parents anxious about their children’s safety.
He outlined several initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s protection and participation:
National Online Safety System
A faster and more accessible mechanism will be established to report cyberbullying, threats, identity fraud, personal data leaks and similar offenses. This system will include a 24-hour hotline, an online complaint portal, and a trained rapid-response team. The BNP also plans to work with major social media platforms to improve Bangla-language content moderation and ensure the swift removal of abusive content.
Protection for Women in Social and Political Engagement
National guidelines, rapid legal and digital support services, and confidential complaint mechanisms will be introduced to protect women involved in journalism, social work, activism, community leadership and student organizations. No woman should face barriers to participating in social or public-interest activities, he said.
Digital Safety Education
Schools and universities will introduce digital safety skills in orientation sessions. Trained teachers will serve as “safety focal points,” while annual awareness programs will help young people navigate the digital world with confidence.
Strong Community Response to Violence and Harassment
Community help desks, safer roads and transportation, improved street lighting, and the presence of trauma-sensitive responders will help make daily movement safer for women and provide essential support to those facing harassment or violence.
Support for Women’s Leadership and Participation
Leadership training, mentorship networks, and expanded childcare facilities in schools, offices and workplaces will aim to strengthen women’s leadership, success, and full participation. “When women move forward, the nation moves forward,” he said.
Tarique Rahman called on all citizens to work together to build a safe and prosperous Bangladesh for daughters and future generations. Regardless of political, religious, ethnic or gender identity, he said, there is a shared belief that ensuring women’s safety, opportunities and empowerment will drive Bangladesh forward at an unstoppable pace.