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Special Report

Women's repression persists in Bangladesh: Urgent calls for societal change

Dhaka, March 8, 2024: In Bangladesh, the persistent repression, discrimination, and violence against women have not only endured but, in some instances, escalated, casting a grim shadow over the nation. Despite concerted efforts from various organizations, including women's rights groups, incidents of sexual harassment continue to plague the lives of women across the country, ranging from unwanted touching to verbal abuse and even rape.Eminent educationists and rights activists are demanding a social transformation and changes in societal mindsets, particularly within families, to combat early marriages and violence. These urgent calls for change were voiced on the occasion of International Women’s Day, celebrated globally on Friday under the theme 'Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.'A recent report by the World Bank, titled "Women, Business and Law 2024," paints a concerning picture. It reveals that women in Bangladesh enjoy only one-third of the legal rights enjoyed by men in the workplace. The report, scoring nations based on 10 indicators, places Bangladesh at the bottom among South Asian countries, with a score of 49.4, only surpassed by Afghanistan. The study also exposes a significant pay gap between men and women, with Bangladesh scoring a mere 25 out of 100 on that indicator.The alarming statistics are further highlighted in a Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) report, published recently, exposing that 35.2% of female bus passengers have experienced sexual harassment. Rates are notably higher on city buses (42.6%) compared to inter-district buses (31.3%). Shockingly, 83.2% of victims were harassed by fellow passengers, and 64.3% by the driver’s assistant.A study titled "Sexual Harassment in Public Transport in Dhaka: A Social and Legal Assessment," featured in the December edition of the Asian Journal of Social Science and Legal Studies, underscores the critical need for appropriate legislation to address the prevalent legal gaps in tackling sexual crimes on public transport across the country.Disturbingly, a staggering 34.51% of working women, housewives, and students report being harassed on multiple occasions. Moreover, 35.29% of employed women and 56.86% of students disclosed being subjected to sexual harassment in public transport. Perpetrators in most cases were fellow passengers (75%), followed by bus conductors (20%) and bus drivers (5%).Addressing these challenges, Professor Emeritus Serajul Islam Choudhury of Dhaka University identifies the deeply entrenched patriarchal social structure as a primary contributor. He asserts, "It is not only male-dominated. It is positively patriarchal, and women are economically and socially weak here. That is why they are being oppressedoProfessor Choudhury also underscores the surge in sexual harassment, extending beyond students to include teachers at universities. He draws attention to the adverse consequences of child marriage, highlighting its role in contributing to dropout rates among young girls. Additionally, he emphasizes the impact of a lack of cultural activities, exacerbating the overall situation for women.In response to harassment on public transport, ABM Amin Ullah Nuri, Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, states, "We have witnessed instances of women encountering harassment from drivers and their assistants across various modes of transportation. In response, aside from taking legal measures, we have launched initiatives aimed at fostering respectful behavior."Despite these efforts, the challenge of persistent harassment remains. Non-governmental organizations are actively engaged in combatting sexual harassment on public transport, but there is a perceived need for targeted legislation and enhanced discipline within the public transport sector. Samira Akhter, general secretary of the Aachol Foundation, presents ten specific proposals to address harassment on public transport, including restricting passenger numbers, installing CCTV cameras, mandating nameplates identifying bus staff, holding mobile courts for swift trials, and conducting public awareness initiatives.

09 Mar 2024

Special Report

Bangladesh Thanks Thailand for Backing Saima Wazed in WHO Director Election

Amidst the ongoing fervor surrounding the World Health Organization's (WHO) South-East Asia Region (SEARO) leadership, Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen has expressed deep appreciation for Thailand's unwavering support of Saima Wazed, Bangladesh's nominee for the esteemed position.In the bustling city of Bangkok, where Dr. Momen is presently engaged in a high-level regional meeting, cordial discussions with Thai Public Health Affairs Minister Dr. Cholnan Srikaew have garnered attention. An official statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the exchange, further solidifying the bilateral support between the two nations.Thai Public Health Minister Dr. Cholnan Srikaew's affirmations on the matter were particularly noteworthy, citing their support as a demonstration of their robust backing for Bangladesh. This camaraderie has set the stage for an intriguing face-off, as Saima Wazed competes for the position against Dr. Shambhu Prasad Acharya, Nepal's nominee.The upcoming Regional Committee meeting scheduled in New Delhi, India, from October 30 to November 2, will see the candidates vying for the regional director's role. Following this, the process will advance to the 154th session of the WHO Executive Board in Geneva, Switzerland, slated for January 22 to 27, 2024, where the appointment will be formalized.Amidst diplomatic gestures, Foreign Minister Momen's visit to Thailand has been marked with warm receptions and meaningful discussions. Welcomed by the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand, Md. Abdul Hye, the minister's diplomatic itinerary included a productive courtesy meeting with the Thai Public Health Minister.During their meeting, Dr. Momen took a moment to commend Thailand's commendable healthcare system and its efficient management of the challenging Covid-19 situation. In a bid to foster stronger ties, he also advocated for increased collaboration between the two countries' healthcare sectors, emphasizing the potential for investment in Bangladesh's healthcare infrastructure, including the establishment of specialized hospitals.Furthermore, extending a heartfelt invitation, Dr. Momen invited the Thai public health minister to visit Bangladesh in the near future, underscoring the potential for greater collaboration and exchange of expertise in the realm of public health.As the stage is set for the election of the next WHO SEARO regional director, the strategic support and collaborative efforts between Bangladesh and Thailand have come to the fore, emphasizing the spirit of mutual cooperation and shared aspirations for a healthier, more resilient Southeast Asia.

16 Oct 2023

Special Report

PeopleNTech's training was life changing, speakers said at Alumni Summit

The evening was for the alumnus of PeopleNTech. They all came to tell their stories of moving forward and their successes. They narrated how a four-month training program has changed their lives. They said, not only their own, but their family's landscape has changed. And above all, they now can build a worthy future generation. Each of them is now a skilled IT professional in the mainstream of the United States. Some of them are project managers, some are project leads. Some are now trainers and teachers themselves.The event was PeopleNTech's Alumni Summit 2022. These alums gathered at a party hall in Queens, New York. Abubokor Hanip, founder and CEO of PeopleNTech and now chancellor and chairman of Washington University of Science and Technology-WUST, was in the center of the event. Farhana Hanip, President of PeopleNTech and CFO of WUST was present. And they were surrounded by all the officials of the company's New York, Virginia, New Jersey offices. The main attraction of the event was the alums whose stories mesmerized everyone present. New York dignitaries were invited to it. Consul General of Bangladesh in New York Dr. Monirul Islam was present as the chief guest. Syed Ashikur Rahman, CEO of RTV in Bangladesh was present as the special guest. Heads of various media outlets were present. Successful alums told their stories and each of these stories was unique. Just as they have shared how important the role of PeopleNTech was in building their lives. They refer to PeopleNTech's training as life changing. And everyone repeatedly mentioned about Engineer Abubokor Hanip as the architect of their fate change. They were talking about the trainers who trained them in the classes. They were talking about Farhana Hanip, president of PeopleNTech who has been working relentlessly to take the organization onward with all efforts. Engineer Abubokor Hanip also shared his own story to all. He told how he established himself in this IT sector after passing a struggling time when he came to study in this country. The story of Abubokor Hanip is an inspiration for everyone, speakers said. Abubokor Hanip told that he left a lucrative job with reputed company in handsome salary to take efforts so that people could change their lives in the way he has changed his own. And keeping that motto in mind, he founded PeopleNTech. Hanip said that some 18 years ago in 2004 he took a vow to bring the people of the Bangladeshi community out of the life of struggle in this country and give them a beautiful life. And thus, PeopleNTech started. Initially, there was only one student. But after that student got a job six-digit job in the mainstream, more students started to join. Since then, there was no looking back. Gradually it continued to grow. And during this period, PeopleNTech has trained nearly 8,000 Bangladeshis in IT who have got mainstream job in the United States. They are now living a comfortable life. And they are raising their future generation well. Moreover, they also play a role in the progress of Bangladesh by sending high figure remittances. In his speech, Abubokor Hanip highlighted the Washington University of Science and Technology, which is currently being run by him, and said that it is a fulfillment of his long-cherished dream. He said there is no alternative to skill based institutional education and training to take the Bangladeshi community forward in the mainstream in the United States. Washington University of Science and Technology is run through a skills-based curriculum. The teachers here are simultaneously scholars and experienced from the industry. They bring their experience and skills from the industry to the classroom. And due to their teaching through it, students can move from university to work by having skillful knowledge. The students of WUST have also started joining in the mainstream in big companies. Engineer Abubokor Hanip also expressed the hope that at one time the alums of WUST will occupy the high positions of Fortune Hundred Companies in this country. And he said, that's not only a dream but also a goal. Farhana Hanip, President of PeopleNTech, said, "Today we want to celebrate the success of our alams. The alums are all in our hearts. Some have now risen to a higher level, we are proud of their achievements." She called on peopleNTech's alumni to stand by them to make The Washington University of Science and Technology a success. Farhana Hanip expressed her gratitude for the continued support from the community as well. Congratulating the successful alums of PeopleNTech, The Chief Guest Dr. Monirul Islam said, "Your successes impress us and make Bangladesh proud." Noting that Abubokor Hanip has set an example, Dr. Monirul said he (Mr. Hanip) likes to 'give' to people. He has trained people, taught them and at the same time has taken all kinds of initiatives to 'give' them work. It is this mentality of giving to others that has taken him to such a height that everyone feels proud of him. Few of the Bangladeshi diaspora have been able to keep their footprints in the United States, Abubokor Hanip is one of them, said Dr. Monirul Islam. Special Guest Syed Ashiqur Rahman praised the success of PeopleNTech and said that the efforts of Abubokor Hanip and Farhana Hanip to take The Washington University of Science and Technology forward are worth to mention. Later, crests and flower bouquets were presented to the successful alums as a recognition. All the officials of PeopleNTech were also given crests and bouquets of flowers as greeting souvenir. Abubokor Hanip and Farhana Hanip were also given special honors while engineer Abubokor Hanip handed over the crest to the special guest and the chief guest. Then group photos were taken. And finally, the 2022 Alumni Summit of PeopleNTech ended with a delicious dinner.

26 Oct 2022

Women's repression persists in Bangladesh: Urgent calls for societal change

Bangladesh Thanks Thailand for Backing Saima Wazed in WHO Director Election

PeopleNTech's training was life changing, speakers said at Alumni Summit

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