CA urges swift action on Women’s Reform proposals

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has directed all concerned ministries and departments to promptly implement the actionable recommendations submitted by the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission, aiming to end discrimination against women and ensure gender equality.

He made the directive while receiving the commission’s final report at the State Guest House Jamuna on Saturday. Prof Yunus emphasised the importance of timely execution of feasible proposals during the current administration’s tenure, while suggesting that the remaining ones be shared with political parties through the National Consensus Commission to build broader support.

"The recommendations that are implementable should be accomplished quickly so that we can create an example for other countries of the world through this work," he said.

Highlighting the global attention on the report, the Chief Adviser said girls and women worldwide are observing the commission’s findings and may draw inspiration from them. “This is not just a women’s issue; it’s a matter of national importance,” he added.

Prof Yunus further noted that the report will be published widely and even printed in textbook format to ensure accessibility. “It should not sit idle in offices but be made open to all,” he stressed.

Commission Chair Shireen Parveen Haque, while presenting the report, said it was prepared in memory of those who died in the July uprising, with the goal of contributing meaningfully to the nation.

She explained that the report contains 15 proposals, categorised into three parts—those implementable by the interim government, those for the next elected government, and another section reflecting the hopes and aspirations of the women’s movement.

The commission, formed in November 2024, was tasked with submitting its report within 90 days. The 10-member panel includes Maheen Sultan (BRAC Institute of Governance and Development), Advocate Kamrun Nahar, Kalpona Akter (Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation), Dr Halida Hanum Akhter (women's health expert), Sumaiya Islam (Bangladesh Nari Sramik Kendra), Nirupa Dewan (former NHRC member), Ferdousi Sultana (former ADB adviser), and student representative Nishita Zaman Niha.