Women activists in Kushtia have staged a protest rally and demonstration demanding the resignation of Kushtia-3 (Sadar) MP Mufti Amir Hamza and an investigation into his conduct. The protesters accused him of making disrespectful remarks about women at various religious gatherings and public events, saying such comments undermine women’s dignity and deserve accountability.
The demonstration began at around 11am on Thursday, 12 November, from Panch Rastar Mor in Kushtia town. Organised under the banner of Kushtia Sachetan Nagarik Samaj, the protest brought together more than a hundred women. The procession moved through several streets before reaching the municipal premises, where participants held a rally to press their demands.
During the march, protesters chanted slogans expressing their anger towards the MP and calling for action against him. Among the slogans were demands for justice over what they described as his inappropriate conduct and remarks. Some of the chants were particularly confrontational, reflecting the strength of feeling among those taking part.
Addressing the gathering, speakers said that an elected representative should demonstrate respect towards all sections of society, particularly women. They alleged that Amir Hamza had made several comments about women at religious gatherings, including waaz mahfils, as well as at other events, which they considered insulting and unacceptable.
The speakers argued that public representatives carry a responsibility to maintain dignity and restraint in their statements. They said remarks that demean women not only damage the dignity of individuals but also reinforce attitudes that undermine women’s position in society.
They also stressed that women make up half of the population and play an essential role in the country’s social, economic and cultural development. Protecting their rights, dignity and social standing should therefore be a collective responsibility. According to the speakers, an elected representative should set an example through responsible language and respectful behaviour rather than make comments that provoke public criticism.
The protesters called for the relevant remarks to be properly investigated and for Amir Hamza to be held accountable. They maintained that political or religious standing should not place anyone beyond scrutiny when questions arise over their public conduct.
At the rally, participants demanded that Amir Hamza resign from his position as a Member of Parliament. They also called for appropriate action against him following an investigation into the allegations. The speakers warned that they would launch a larger movement if their demands were not addressed, signalling that Thursday’s demonstration could be followed by further protests.
Attempts were made to contact Mufti Amir Hamza for his response to the allegations and the protesters’ demands. However, his mobile phone was found switched off, and his comments could not be obtained.
Among those present at the programme were Kumkum Rahman, convener of Kushtia Sachetan Nagarik Samaj; Latifa Akhtar Rosi, the organisation’s member secretary; and women’s rights activists Nilufa and Mallika Begum Tania, along with other members of the organisation.
The demonstration has brought renewed attention to demands for accountability and respectful public discourse concerning women. The protesters insist that allegations involving remarks about women should be examined properly and addressed through appropriate measures.
