Tarek Rahman Pledges Five Measures for Women on His Birthday

BNP’s acting chairman Tarek Rahman is celebrating his 61st birthday today. On the occasion, he shared an important message on Facebook regarding women’s safety and the challenges of the digital era in Bangladesh.

On Thursday (20 November), he posted a photo with his wife Zobaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman along with a long message on Facebook.

In the post, he wrote, “There is no denying that technology affects every aspect of our lives. From daily routines to international relations, everything is changing at the pace of technology. None of us can ignore how technology has transformed the world and Bangladesh.”

He reflected that compared to the generation in which he grew up, today’s world is very different for his daughter. While opportunities have increased, threats have grown as well.

He stated that for Bangladesh to progress, girls, mothers, sisters, and colleagues must live without fear. Every day, countless women face harassment, threats, bullying, and violence—simply for speaking, working, studying, or living freely.

To ensure women’s safety, Tarek Rahman outlined five key priorities—

National Online Safety System: Women will be able to report cyberbullying, threats, fraud, fake identities, or data leaks quickly and easily. A 24/7 hotline, online portal, and trained responders will be available. Coordination with major platforms will allow rapid moderation of content in Bangla.

Public Life Safety Protocol for Women: National guidelines, rapid legal and digital support, and confidential reporting channels will be provided for journalists, workers, students, or community leaders facing attacks or harassment. No woman should remain silent due to participation in public life.

Digital Safety Education: Realistic digital safety training will be provided during school and university orientations. Trained teachers will act as ‘safety focal points’, and annual awareness programmes will help youth navigate the digital world confidently.

Community Response Against Violence and Harassment: Through community help desks, safe transport, better street lighting, and trauma-sensitive responders, women’s daily lives will be made safer.

National Initiative for Women’s Leadership and Participation: Leadership training, mentoring networks, and expansion of childcare facilities in schools, offices, and factories will allow women to lead, succeed, and contribute fully.

Tarek Rahman emphasised that the safer, more supported, and empowered women are, the more unstoppable Bangladesh becomes. Regardless of politics, religion, ethnicity, or gender, this can unite the nation. He urged everyone to work together to build a Bangladesh that ensures security and opportunity for daughters and future generations.

Khaborwala/TSN