Kushtia women stage demo, demand resignation, trial of MP Amir Hamza

Women activists under the banner of Kushtia Sachetan Nagarik Samaj staged a protest rally on Thursday, demanding the resignation of Kushtia-3 (Sadar) MP Mufti Amir Hamza and his trial over “derogatory remarks” about women.

The protest procession began at Kushtia's Panch Rastar Mor around 11am, marched through different streets of the town and ended at the municipal premises where the protesters held a rally.

More than a hundred women took part in the programme and chanted various slogans.

Addressing the rally, the speakers said they expected a public representative like Mufti Amir Hamza to show respect towards women.

They alleged that his remarks about women at different religious gatherings and other events had been disrespectful and undermined their dignity.

They said such comments were unacceptable, stressing that no one could discharge the responsibilities of a public representative while showing disrespect towards women, who make up half of the country's population.

The speakers called for a proper investigation into his remarks and demanded that he be held accountable, saying an MP should maintain responsible and decent public conduct.

They also demanded his resignation from Parliament and urged the relevant authorities to take necessary action against him.

They warned of a broader movement if their demands were not addressed.

Attempts to contact Mufti Amir Hamza for his comments found his mobile phone switched off.

Among those present at the programme were Kushtia Sachetan Nagarik Samaj Convener Kumkum Rahman, Member Secretary Latifa Akter Rosi, and women leaders Nilufa and Mallika Begum Tania, among others.