Mohammad Mozammel Haque

Women around the world continue to face degradation and are often denied the rights and recognition they deserve. In many countries, they are still treated as commodities. In India, for example, the government has strictly prohibited disclosing the sex of a fetus during ultrasounds to prevent gender-based abortions—an issue that persists as some parents go to the extent of ending a pregnancy upon learning they are expecting a baby girl. The plight of women in many parts of the world remains as dire, if not worse, than it was during the Dark Ages. However, Bangladesh stands as a remarkable exception. The contribution of women to the nation’s progress has been instrumental in securing its place among middle-income countries. Pioneering figures such as Taramon Bibi, Dr. Setara Begum, Kakon Bibi, Geeta Kar, Shirin Banu Mitil, Rounak Mohal Dilruba Begum, Ferdousi Priyabhashini, and Rokeya Begum have played a vital role in shaping the country’s history and global recognition. Women fought alongside men in the Liberation War, sacrificing their lives to free the nation from the brutal Pakistani Army. In recent times, women activists like Umama Fatema, Shahinur Sumi, Nafsin, and Nusrat Tabassum have continued this legacy of resistance. Their leadership in the July Revolution of 2024 played a crucial role in overthrowing Sheikh Hasina’s oppressive regime, liberating Bangladesh from tyranny. The resilience and bravery of Bangladeshi women stand as a testament to their strength, shaping the nation's destiny and ensuring its place in history.

Since gaining independence in 1971, women in Bangladesh have continued to play a vital role in building a corruption-free society with equal opportunities for all. There are no barriers preventing women from participating in parliamentary elections, and several key positions in local governance—such as upazila vice chairman and union council member—are specifically designated for female candidates. Additionally, many government and non-government sectors, including banks, insurance companies, and various organizations, have reserved positions for women, ensuring greater representation and empowerment in the workforce.

From these perspectives, Bangladesh stands as a leader in women's empowerment, with few countries offering such progress. However, true gender equality remains a distant goal. One of the biggest obstacles is the persistence of the dowry system, a deep-rooted social curse that continues to plague society. Thousands of women are abandoned by their husbands due to dowry disputes, while many parents struggle to marry off their daughters because they cannot afford the financial demands imposed by grooms or their families. Even after marriage, countless women endure relentless persecution—not only from their husbands but also from their in-laws. Despite significant strides in women's rights, the eradication of dowry remains a pressing challenge that must be addressed to achieve true equality.

The dowry system continues to inflict immense suffering on women and their families in Bangladesh. Every year, hundreds of women are driven to suicide simply because their parents cannot afford to pay the dowry demanded by their husbands. Countless families, already struggling to survive, are forced to sell their only piece of land, rickshaw, van, or other meager possessions just to meet these unjust financial demands. For many, this means sacrificing their very livelihood, plunging them into deeper poverty. Is there truly no solution to this horrific and deeply entrenched curse? I firmly believe that with sincere effort, the government can eradicate this social evil. Stronger enforcement of laws, community vigilance, and widespread awareness campaigns can significantly reduce dowry practices. One practical approach would be for law enforcement agencies to take a more active role. If the Officers-in-Charge (OCs) of local police stations were instructed to closely monitor and take strict action against those demanding dowry, it would act as a strong deterrent. Additionally, the government could implement an anonymous reporting system where individuals can safely inform the police about dowry transactions, ensuring that the identity of whistleblowers remains protected. Such measures would create fear among those who engage in this practice and gradually diminish the prevalence of dowry demands. However, legal action alone is not enough. The following multi-faceted approaches are necessary to uproot this deep-seated tradition:

o The existing anti-dowry laws should be rigorously enforced, with severe penalties for those who demand or accept dowry.

o Special task forces can be established to investigate and act on dowry-related complaints.

o Victims of dowry harassment should have easy access to legal aid and protection.

o Education is one of the most powerful tools for eradicating dowry. An educated woman is more likely to be financially independent and less vulnerable to dowry-related exploitation.

o The government should expand scholarship programs, vocational training, and job opportunities for women to empower them economically.

o Encouraging women’s participation in the workforce will gradually shift societal perceptions, making marriage less about financial transactions and more about mutual respect and partnership.

o Mass media, including television, newspapers, social media, and radio, should actively run awareness campaigns highlighting the devastating consequences of the dowry system.

o Religious and community leaders can play a crucial role in discouraging dowry by addressing it in sermons and public speeches.

o Educational institutions should introduce discussions on gender equality and the harmful effects of dowry in their curriculum.

o Society as a whole must take responsibility for eliminating dowry. Families should pledge not to give or accept dowry, setting an example for others.

o Women’s rights organizations and NGOs should continue their efforts to support victims and spread awareness.

o Marriage registration offices could be required to collect affidavits from both parties stating that no dowry was exchanged, with penalties for false statements.

Women are human beings, equal to men in every way, and should never be treated as commodities to be bought and sold. Yet, in many parts of society, they continue to face such injustices. It is disheartening that even in the 21st century, a woman’s worth is often measured in monetary terms rather than her abilities, character, and potential. This must change. The government, law enforcement agencies, media, educational institutions, and society as a whole must unite to abolish the dowry system. With sincere commitment and effective measures, Bangladesh can free itself from this outdated and cruel practice. It is time to ensure that no woman is denied her dignity, no family is pushed into financial ruin, and no life is lost to this unjust tradition.

Since Bangladesh has made remarkable strides in women's empowerment, taking decisive steps to eradicate the curse of dowry will further strengthen this achievement. By eliminating this deep-rooted social evil, the country can set an inspiring example for the world, serving as a true role model for gender equality. Only then will the celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8 hold its true significance. Let us join hands to create a society where marriage is built on love, respect, and mutual understanding—not financial transactions.

The writer is a, Associate Professor Department of English Northern University Bangladesh