STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Speakers at a roundtable yesterday urged strict enforcement of existing laws rather than introducing new ones, calling for swift and exemplary punishment for offenders to prevent violence against women.

They said effective implementation of even 60 percent of Bangladesh’s existing laws would significantly reduce the need for new legislation.

Participants emphasised that justice cannot be achieved unless women are integrated at every level of the system -- from law enforcement and healthcare to public services and the judiciary.

They called for balanced representation, ideally 60-40 or at least 55-45, warning that discussions without inclusion would bring little change.

The roundtable, titled “Electoral Commitments on Addressing Discrimination against Women and Rights in the Family,” was held at BRAC Centre Inn in Mohakhali.

It was jointly organised by the Embassy of Denmark, Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), The Daily Star, and the Centre for Policy Dialogue.

In her opening remarks, CPD Executive Director Dr Fahmida Khatun highlighted gaps in law enforcement and victim support, particularly affecting marginalised groups such as persons with disabilities.

She stressed the need to align policy research with political commitment to secure lasting legislative reforms.

Moderated by Supreme Court lawyer Sara Hossain, the session questioned political party representatives on their plans to address violence against women, mobilise resources, improve access to family courts, tackle legal discrimination in families, and ensure women’s representation in justice institutions.

Mahbuba Habiba, member of BNP media cell, said justice is impossible without women’s integration into the system. She noted that structural barriers prevent effective enforcement of existing laws.

“Restoring victims to a reasonably normal life requires an urgently needed dedicated cell -- already included in BNP’s planning -- where cases can be registered and addressed swiftly,” she said.

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