Women protest in Kushtia demanding MP Amir Hamza's resignation and trial

Women leaders and activists of Kushtia's Sachetan Nagarik Samaj (Conscious Citizens' Society) have held a protest rally demanding the resignation and trial of Mufti Amir Hamza, MP for Kushtia-3 (Sadar).

On Thursday (12 November) at around 11am, a protest procession started from Kushtia's Panch Rastar Mor, marched through various roads of the town and ended at the municipality premises, where a rally was then held.

More than a hundred women took part in the programme organised under the banner of Kushtia Sachetan Nagarik Samaj. Slogans demanding the trial of Mufti Amir Hamza were raised at the rally.

Speakers at the rally said respectful behaviour towards women is expected from Mufti Amir Hamza as a public representative. But they consider his speeches and remarks about women at waz mahfils and various other events at different times to be disrespectful. Such remarks undermine women's dignity and honour, and comments of this kind about women are in no way acceptable.

The speakers also said no one can carry out the duties of a public representative while disrespecting women's society. Women are half of the population. Protecting their honour and dignity is everyone's responsibility. They expect responsible and decent speech from an MP.

The rally demanded his resignation as an MP and called on the concerned authorities to take necessary action against him. The speakers also demanded a proper investigation into Mufti Amir Hamza's remarks and that he be brought under accountability.

The speakers also warned of a larger movement in protest against disrespectful remarks about women.

When an attempt was made to contact Mufti Amir Hamza on the matter, his mobile phone was found switched off.

Present at the programme were Kushtia Sachetan Nagarik Samaj convener Kumkum Rahman, member-secretary Latifa Akter Rozi, women leaders Nilufa and Mallika Begum Tania, and other leaders of the organisation.