Decision made to remove sanitary napkins from Book Fair stalls amid pressure

The brand ‘Stay Safe’ was directed to remove sanitary napkins from its stall at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair after facing objections from some Islamist groups. Moreover, it was advised to keep the stalls closed until the issue is resolved.

On Friday (February 14), Dreamer Donkey Primary Limited sent a letter to Bangla Academy addressing the issue. The letter stated that the ‘Stay Safe’ brand had set up its stall at the book fair to raise awareness about women's and child health. However, since February 11, an Islamist group opposed the stall, arguing that sanitary napkins are a "private product" and inappropriate for public sale. On February 12, a mob supporting these groups gathered in front of the stall, demanding the removal of the sanitary napkins.

Later, Bangla Academy and other administrative authorities assessed the situation and, to avoid further pressure, requested Pran RFL Group to remove the Stay Safe products from the stall. A handwritten note in the letter indicates that Bangla Academy’s Director General, Mohammad Azam, instructed immediate action on the matter.

This incident has sparked strong reactions from women’s rights activists and progressive groups. They argue that sanitary napkins are essential health-related products directly linked to women’s well-being. The demand to ban such products at a progressive platform like the book fair is alarming and goes against women's rights and health awareness.

Bangla Academy has yet to release an official statement on the matter, but the controversy continues.