The National Citizen Party (NCP) has said that representation and inclusion of women from all sections of the society have not been ensured in the Women's Affairs Reform Commission.

NCP Joint Member Secretary (Office) Saleh Uddin Sifat on Monday clarified their position on the issue in a statement, saying, “After the mass uprising in Bangladesh, a total of 11 reform commissions started working on the initiatives of the interim government. The 'National Consensus Commission' was formed to discuss the reports of these reform commissions with all political parties, and six reform commissions under its umbrella have already started their activities.

“However, the Women's Affairs Reform Commission was not under the umbrella of the Consensus Commission. As a result, all political parties did not get the opportunity to discuss or express their opinions on this issue in advance. We are observing that various levels of discussion and disagreement have arisen in the political environment of the country regarding the proposals of this commission.”

The statement also said, "The NCP believes that the representation and inclusion of women from all sections of society has not been ensured among the members of the Women's Reform Commission. Concerns have arisen among various religious and social groups regarding some of the reform proposals. It is the responsibility of the state to formulate policies while respecting the religious, social and cultural integrity of all communities and respecting the beliefs and social values ​​of all citizens.

“Some of the recommendations of the Women's Commission have created a conflicting position of the state with the social and religious values ​​of Bangladesh, pitting the society against the state and religion against the women. We believe that it is necessary to keep the door open for constructive discussions with all representative stakeholders on the issues where disagreements have arisen."

The statement further said that many people are openly making disrespectful remarks towards women in various rallies while criticising the proposal of the Women's Affairs Reform Commission. NCP strongly condemns and protests these remarks. In every struggle in Bangladesh, especially in the July-August student uprising, women of all classes, professions, religions, and castes have played a leading role.

“As a result of the extensive participation, leadership, and sacrifice of women, the nation was liberated from the fifteen-year grip of fascism. We will not forget this history. NCP deeply understands women's freedom, right to expression, and social struggle and is firmly determined to implement the dignity and rights of women. NCP is united with women in building a new Bangladesh,” it added.