Interim govt concerned over restrictions on women’s recreation
Staff Correspondent
The interim government on Thursday said it remains "deeply concerned" by reports of incidents of women being prevented from engaging in recreational activities, stressing that Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has been a lifelong champion of women's rights.
"We specifically condemn the actions of hooligans who have forcefully disrupted girls’ football matches," Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder said in a statement.
Azad said women are equal citizens of Bangladesh and enjoy the same human and civil rights as men.
The interim government is doing everything in its power to ensure that they enjoy their full rights as Bangladeshi citizens, he said.
Anyone who imposes their restrictions on girls and women in violation of their rights will be held accountable for their actions according to the laws of Bangladesh, the government said.
The interim government will take stern actions against any attempt to discriminate against or oppress any group of citizens.
"The Office of the Chief Adviser has ordered district administrations in Dinajpur and Joypurhat to take the necessary steps to resume the stalled football matches," Azad said.
The district administrators said that they recently organised women football, cricket, and Kabaddi match in their districts.
'Hundreds of people watched the matches, and they were appreciated by all sections of people in their districts," Azad said.
In the past one month the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus has organised one of the largest Youth Festivals in the country, which included women’s sports matches held in hundreds of rural district and sub-district towns.
Thousands of girls took part in the football, cricket and Kabaddi matches, even in many remote rural districts, Azad said.
Grameen Bank, which Dr Yunus founded, was more than 90 per cent owned by women.
Last week, Prof Yunus met FIFA chief Gianni Infantino and sought his support to build infrastructure and facilities for women footballers in Bangladesh, Azad said.
