Yunus: Implement ‘some’ recommendations by women's affairs commission

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has directed authorities to implement those recommendations made by the Women's Affairs Reform Commission that can be carried out "immediately".

He gave the directives to the relevant ministries and divisions after the panel members handed over the report to him at the State Guest House Jamuna around 4:30pm on Saturday, according to the Chief Advisor’s Office.

The interim government head said, “The recommendations that can be implemented quickly should be executed through us. We can set an example for other countries in the world through this work.

"Women around the world are looking at this. They will review it and be inspired. Women in other countries are also serious about this."

He said, “It's a general issue beyond just women. This report will be made public. It will be published like a book. It shouldn’t be kept in the office as a document, it should be open to people."

The chief advisor said the recommendations of the panel will also be presented to the political parties through the National Consensus Commission.

The commission’s head Shirin Parveen Haque said, "In memory of those who sacrificed their lives in July, we wanted to do something that would be beneficial for people and society."

She said the recommendations of the commission have been divided into three parts: some can be carried out by the current interim government, some by the next elected government and some parts have highlighted the dreams and hopes of the women's movement.

Among 15 recommendations, the commission has made three major proposals on the constitution, the law and women's rights, stressing the need to strengthen the basis of equality and protection.

It also proposed to improve the institutional structure and efficiency of national organisations for women's advancement.

The interim government unveiled the goal of the state reforms after assuming power following the Awami League government’s fall in a mass uprising on Aug 5 last year.

To achieve that goal, the government took initiatives to reform multiple state sectors, following which it formed six reform commissions in the first phase last October.

Five more reform commissions were established in the second phase in November.

The interim administration formed the Women's Affairs Reform Commission on Nov 18, 2024, appointing Shirin, founder member of the women’s rights group Nari Pokkho, as its head.

According to the report, the commission held 43 regular and 39 consultation meetings, latter with women rights activists, development agencies, labour unions, ethnic, and underprivileged communities of the hills and plains.

It also held nine joint meetings with other reform commissions.

Alongside Dhaka, the meetings were held in Chattogram, Rangamati, Khulna, Sreemangal, Rangpur, and Mymensingh.

The commission has also taken the advice of “experienced individuals” and organisations on a range of issues.