Leaders of the National Citizens' Party (NCP) have stated that the current state of violence against women in Bangladesh contradicts the aspirations of the July uprising. They emphasized that the safety of citizens, particularly women, is under threat, and the situation is worsening. On Saturday afternoon, during a protest rally in front of the National Museum in Shahbagh, marking International Women’s Day, NCP leaders voiced their concerns.

The rally, titled “Demand for Women’s Safety in Public Spaces and Cyber Security,” highlighted the alarming rise in violence against women. Samantha Sharmin, NCP’s senior joint convener, accused the current political system of undermining the role women played during the July uprising. She stated, “The dream of rebuilding the nation that the youth envisioned must include space for women in political leadership. However, the political structure is moving in the opposite direction.”

Sharmin added, “The current state of violence against women in Bangladesh is in no way aligned with the spirit of the July mass uprising; rather, it contradicts it. Citizen safety is under threat, and as a result, women’s safety is also at risk. The fascist structure that was supposed to be dismantled after the uprising still persists.”

Nusrat Tabassum, another joint convener of the NCP, emphasized that women deserve equal rights and opportunities in society. She said, “Violence against women has reached such an extreme level that their dignity, self-respect, and social recognition are being questioned. Incidents like rape have become everyday crimes in our society.”

Shyamoli Sultana Jedni, a central organizer of the Democratic Students’ Union, criticized the state’s failure to protect women. She said, “Women are facing increasing violence—domestic abuse, harassment, oppression, and rape. The laws, administration, law enforcement agencies, and the home affairs advisor have turned Bangladesh into a dysfunctional state.”

Sarjis Alam, NCP’s chief organizer for the northern region, highlighted the significant role women played during the July uprising. He condemned the recent incidents of harassment, abuse, and rape against women, stating, “Protecting our sisters from predators has become a challenge. Women in politics are being targeted with smear campaigns on social media.”

Alam also stressed the importance of separating religion and state, saying, “The state must accommodate all religions and ideologies. No one can impose their beliefs or practices on others, regardless of their faith or lack thereof.”

The NCP leaders called on law enforcement agencies, relevant ministries, and the interim government to ensure women’s safety in public spaces and on social media platforms. Alam added, “We want our sisters to be at the forefront of policy-making in future politics, just as they were during the anti-Hasina struggle and the July uprising.”

The rally was attended by Jannatul Ferdous, the wife of July uprising martyr Masud Rana, and student Taslima Rahman, among others. The event was moderated by NCP’s joint convener Monira Sharmin and organizer (northern region) Duti Aranya Chowdhury.

The NCP leaders reiterated their commitment to creating a society where women can live with dignity and security, free from violence and discrimination. They urged the government to take immediate action to address the rising tide of violence against women and ensure their rightful place in the nation’s political and social fabric.