Tuesday, 15 July, 2025
Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid has urged society to reflect on why many women who bravely participated in the July Uprising have since withdrawn from the public eye.
Speaking at a briefing on Monday at Ganabhaban, ahead of upcoming commemorations for the July Uprising, she said, “Those who fought with such courage—why have they gone into hiding? This is something we must understand deeply.”
Murshid highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by these women, many of whom remain confined to their homes, suffering from depression and trauma. “It is our responsibility to check on their well-being,” she said.
She condemned the persistent social and cyberbullying targeting these female fighters. “A lot of nonsense is spoken against them. Yet these women are true warriors. I believe they will overcome these challenges and stand tall with their heads held high.”
To better support them, the ministry has launched a research project aimed at identifying and documenting every woman who took part in the uprising. “Through this effort, we hope to create a comprehensive record, provide counselling and support, and ensure their sacrifices are preserved in history,” Murshid explained.
She underscored the unprecedented scale of women’s participation in the movement. “The activists themselves have told me that between 65 and 79 percent of participants were women, which is astonishing. They led from the front—raising the first slogans, stepping out of their homes and hostels. This has become clear to us now.”
When asked how to encourage the women who are currently in hiding due to bullying and trauma to come forward again, Murshid acknowledged the difficulty. “It has taken time to address these issues. Ten months have passed, yet we have not reached every fighter. It is easier said than done.”
She admitted the ministry has made limited progress in documenting female freedom fighters and martyrs but confirmed work is underway. “We have produced a short video about women martyrs, which will feature in the main commemorative programme.”
The adviser described the work of locating and supporting these women as labour-intensive and time-consuming. “Many do not want to come forward. We have now recruited around 100 women to help us find and reach out to them.”
Murshid emphasised the need to understand why these women have withdrawn from public life. “We must go to them, provide counselling, and help restore a sense of normalcy. I don’t have all the answers yet, but what is crucial is that we stand by them and offer support.”
She pointed to the endemic violence within the political system as one cause, where women increasingly become targets. “We must learn from history—women disappeared after the 1971 Liberation War. This time, we will not let that happen. We are going door to door to find these fighters. It will take time, but we will reach every single one.”
On the continued culture of bullying, Murshid said, “Expecting the July Uprising to change everything overnight is unrealistic. However, the ministry is launching a cyber unit this month, staffed by a team of our ‘July daughters’.”
This unit will monitor online abuse around the clock, focusing especially on hate speech and attacks targeting women. “These are criminal acts. We have not yet fully figured out how to ensure proper punishment, but we are working on it.”
Murshid noted that a police unit is already addressing these issues, and the ministry plans to strengthen cooperation by establishing a dedicated unit for constant monitoring.
Condemning the use of abusive language and online harassment as entrenched political weapons, she stressed the need for alternative narratives and strict enforcement. “We have started this work and are finalising a Memorandum of Understanding with the police. We are committed to pursuing this firmly.”
She also warned about the rise of bots spreading toxic content online. “This new phenomenon is used aggressively to propagate hate and division. Bots are difficult to trace, especially those operating from abroad.”
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam added that the government has enacted a Cyber Safety Ordinance to protect women and children in digital spaces.
He also noted that in the wake of the Magura incident and related rape case, legal reforms have been introduced and significantly strengthened to safeguard women and children.
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Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid has urged society to reflect on why many women who bravely participated in the July Uprising have since withdrawn from the public eye.
Speaking at a briefing on Monday at Ganabhaban, ahead of upcoming commemorations for the July Uprising, she said, “Those who fought with such courage—why have they gone into hiding? This is something we must understand deeply.”
Murshid highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by these women, many of whom remain confined to their homes, suffering from depression and trauma. “It is our responsibility to check on their well-being,” she said.
She condemned the persistent social and cyberbullying targeting these female fighters. “A lot of nonsense is spoken against them. Yet these women are true warriors. I believe they will overcome these challenges and stand tall with their heads held high.”
To better support them, the ministry has launched a research project aimed at identifying and documenting every woman who took part in the uprising. “Through this effort, we hope to create a comprehensive record, provide counselling and support, and ensure their sacrifices are preserved in history,” Murshid explained.
She underscored the unprecedented scale of women’s participation in the movement. “The activists themselves have told me that between 65 and 79 percent of participants were women, which is astonishing. They led from the front—raising the first slogans, stepping out of their homes and hostels. This has become clear to us now.”
When asked how to encourage the women who are currently in hiding due to bullying and trauma to come forward again, Murshid acknowledged the difficulty. “It has taken time to address these issues. Ten months have passed, yet we have not reached every fighter. It is easier said than done.”
She admitted the ministry has made limited progress in documenting female freedom fighters and martyrs but confirmed work is underway. “We have produced a short video about women martyrs, which will feature in the main commemorative programme.”
The adviser described the work of locating and supporting these women as labour-intensive and time-consuming. “Many do not want to come forward. We have now recruited around 100 women to help us find and reach out to them.”
Murshid emphasised the need to understand why these women have withdrawn from public life. “We must go to them, provide counselling, and help restore a sense of normalcy. I don’t have all the answers yet, but what is crucial is that we stand by them and offer support.”
She pointed to the endemic violence within the political system as one cause, where women increasingly become targets. “We must learn from history—women disappeared after the 1971 Liberation War. This time, we will not let that happen. We are going door to door to find these fighters. It will take time, but we will reach every single one.”
On the continued culture of bullying, Murshid said, “Expecting the July Uprising to change everything overnight is unrealistic. However, the ministry is launching a cyber unit this month, staffed by a team of our ‘July daughters’.”
This unit will monitor online abuse around the clock, focusing especially on hate speech and attacks targeting women. “These are criminal acts. We have not yet fully figured out how to ensure proper punishment, but we are working on it.”
Murshid noted that a police unit is already addressing these issues, and the ministry plans to strengthen cooperation by establishing a dedicated unit for constant monitoring.
Condemning the use of abusive language and online harassment as entrenched political weapons, she stressed the need for alternative narratives and strict enforcement. “We have started this work and are finalising a Memorandum of Understanding with the police. We are committed to pursuing this firmly.”
She also warned about the rise of bots spreading toxic content online. “This new phenomenon is used aggressively to propagate hate and division. Bots are difficult to trace, especially those operating from abroad.”
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam added that the government has enacted a Cyber Safety Ordinance to protect women and children in digital spaces.
He also noted that in the wake of the Magura incident and related rape case, legal reforms have been introduced and significantly strengthened to safeguard women and children.
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