STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Speakers at a dialogue yesterday strongly condemned the recent wave of derogatory remarks and online harassment directed at Begum Rokeya, calling it a stark reminder of the shrinking space for women and dissenting voices in Bangladesh.

They expressed concern over rising human rights violations, noting that women, children, minorities, and other marginalised groups continue to be disproportionately affected.

Speakers urged citizens to speak out against injustice, saying silence is no longer an option.

The dialogue was organised by Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) as part of this year’s International Human Rights Day observance and the closing of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. It was held at the MJF Tower in Rupnagar, Mirpur.

In her welcome remarks, MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam expressed sorrow and outrage, saying the growing normalisation of humiliation, hate, and abusive language is a violation of human rights.

She said the recent derogatory and obscene comments on social media about Begum Rokeya -- a trailblazer of women’s emancipation who can no longer defend herself -- are unacceptable in any civilised society.

She questioned the state’s silence even when a Rajshahi university teacher publicly made derogatory comments about Rokeya on the day the Rokeya Padak was awarded. Such silence, she warned, signals a worrying decline in social values.

Shaheen Anam said people may disagree with Rokeya’s ideology, but that does not give anyone the right to use abusive language. She also expressed concern over the lack of public protest.

She also said rights are not only about protecting one’s own freedoms but also about speaking out when others’ rights are violated. She stressed the need to recognise She

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