HWF observes 23th founding anniversary

TODAY is the 101th International Women’s Day. The day is doubly significant to the women of the Chittagong Hill Tract because it was on this day in 1988 that the Hill Women’s Federation came into being. Therefore, today also marks HWF’s 23th founding anniversary.

To mark the day, the HWF organised rallies and discussions in Khagrachari, Panchari, Baghaichari and Kudukchari. (photo attached)

Khagrachari
A women’s rally was held at Swanirbhor in the morning today to highlight the significance of the International women’s Day.

Chaired by Chandani Chakma, vice president of HWF Khagrachari District unit, the rally was also addressed by Rina Dewan, organising secretary of the HWF central committee; Subir Chakma, organising secretary of DYF Khagrachari district unit; and Apruchi Marma, president of PCP Khagrachari District unit.

Besides, M. M. Parvez Lenin, member of Bangladesh Student’s Federation Chittagong University unit, spoke in solidarity while Eching Marma, a member of the HWF, presented the speakers to the audience.

The organisers tried to bring out a procession after the rally, but the police prevented them.

The speakers said sexual assaults on Jumma women are on the rise. In the last few months a number of women, including minor girls, have been raped.

They urged all to speed up the movement against repression of women and said, “Full autonomy is crucial for the achievement of women’s rights in the CHT.”

They also urged the government to take effective and stern measures to end all forms of violence against Jumma women in CHT.

Rina Dewan flayed the local civil administration for continuously denying UPDF and it front organisations the right to organise rallies and protest marches.

She urged the government to lift the de facto ban on rallies and public meetings imposed a year ago after the Sajek and Khagrachari settler attacks.

Panchari
In Panchari, the HWF held a rally at College Gate area with Sebika Chakma in the chair.

The rally was also addressed by Arpan Chakma (DYF), Barun Chakma (DYF), Hari Kamal Tripura (PCP), Anil Chakma (UP member), Indrani Tripura (villager, T & T) and Sneha Kumar Tripura (villager, Kalanal).

Baghaichari
The HWF held a rally and procession in Baghaichari. The procession kicked off from Babupara and paraded through Upazila ground and Marishya bazaar.

Later, a discussion meeting was held at Babupara Community Centre. Moderated by Sharmila Chakma, convener of HWF Baghaichari unit, it was addressed by Angod Chakma (DYF), Atol Chakma (PCP) Alo Jibon Chakma (PCP) and Kripa Rani Chakma (Sajek Nari Samaj).

Kudukchari
A discussion meeting was held at Kalabunia with HWF vice president Nirupa Chakma in the chair.

HWF general secretary Konika Dewan, ex PCP president Ricoh Chakma, PCP leader Bablu Chakma, organizer of Jatio Ganotantric Gano Manch Nushrat Jahan Choton, Ghilachari Women’s Committee member Koheli Chakma, Sapchari village elder Monimala Chakma and HWF Rangamati district unit president Juthika Chakma.

Sadhana Chakma presented the speakers to the audience.
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Source : chtnews.com