FROM PAGE 14

a series and that work on the second part had already begun.

The book documents the struggles, experiences, and achievements of 12 women -- Hameeda Hossain, Fauzia Moslem, Nazmunnessa Mahtab, Selina Hossain, Khushi Kabir, Sultana Begum, Sultana Kamal, Aroma Dutta, Shaheen Anam, Nirupa Dewan, Shameem Akhter, and Meghna Guhathakurta -- all considered feminist pioneers of the country.

Speaking at the event, veteran rights activist Hameeda Hossain expressed her gratitude to the organisers. “I am very grateful to be here.”

Prominent human rights defender Sultana Kamal reflected on the contradictions in society. “In the current culture, we can lift someone up today and trample them down tomorrow without hesitation. [The line between] Truths and lies, black and white, good and bad are all blurred.

“Whether we speak of activism or of work, historical consciousness is necessary. Where we came from, where we want to go, what we want to do -- these are questions we must constantly reflect on.”

She added, “Ideals must be built, shaped, understood, internalised, and carried forward.”

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad President Fauzia Moslem described her lifelong struggle as “the fight to become human”.

“I want those around me to become human as well. This is the fight we have carried on.”

Shaheen Anam, executive director of Manusher Jonno Foundation, said the term feminist is often ridiculed. “But I believe that a person who has humanity, who believes in equality, and who is respectful to everyone -- that person is a feminist.”

Calling the Liberation War the defining event of her life, she said, “We wanted to build a country where there would be no discrimination...

“Sadly, even after so many years, we haven’t been able to achieve that. But we’re still hopeful. The women of this country have achieved a lot and they stand strong. I place my trust in the next generation to carry this movement forward.”

Khushi Kabir, coordinator of Nijera Kori, said, “If this work had been done earlier, the stories of those who inspired us would also have been included.”

Meanwhile, former lawmaker Aroma Dutta said, “I became a feminist from my mother. I am proud that I was part of the Liberation War. That was the first step of my becoming a feminist.”

In her speech, filmmaker Shameem Akhter observed that cinema remains “male-dominated” but expressed hope that more women would come forward.

Khodeja Sultana Lopa, country director of Diakonia, said recording these stories was essential for the next generation.

Publisher Hasan Tarec, editor-in-chief of Dyu Publications, said the book was being released “at the right time, with the right title”.

The event also featured poetry recitation, music, and a short film screening, while guests were presented with scarves, saplings, and a copy of the book.