President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for strict implementation of a zero-tolerance policy against violence and sexual harassment targeting women and girls, stressing the need for swift investigations, effective trials and strict enforcement of the law.

He made the call while addressing a discussion as chief guest at Bangladesh Shishu Academy on Monday, marking International Day of the Girl Child 2026.

The President said the safety of girls must be ensured everywhere, including on their journeys to school, in educational institutions and in the online world and social media.

“There is no alternative to strict implementation of the zero-tolerance policy to ensure prompt investigations, effective trials and strict enforcement of the law in cases of violence, rape and sexual harassment against women and children,” he said.

The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs and the National Girl Child Advocacy Forum (NGCAF) jointly organised the discussion and cultural programme, chaired by Women and Children Affairs Minister AZM Zahid Hossain. The President’s spouse, Rahat Ara Begum, was also present.

Equal Rights and Opportunities for Girls

Addressing the gathering, the President stressed the need for a change in social attitudes and mindsets to ensure the welfare of girls, saying they must receive equal importance and opportunities alongside boys.

He noted that girls were achieving success in education, healthcare, sports, technology, mass media, business, trade and public administration.

Referring to the achievements of Bangladesh’s women’s football team and mountaineer Nishat Majumder’s ascent of Mount Everest, among other accomplishments, he said these successes were a source of national pride.

Urging parents to view daughters as a source of potential rather than a burden, he called for equal dignity for boys and girls and encouraged families to teach boys from an early age to respect girls.

He also emphasised that investment in girls’ education and welfare should take precedence over saving money for their marriage.

“A girl's education is not an act of charity but a fundamental right. Ensuring her safety is a sacred responsibility of the family, society and the state,” he said.

Identifying himself as the father of two daughters, the President said the welfare and future of girls were matters of personal concern to him.

Call to End Child Marriage

Referring to this year’s International Day of the Girl Child theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights”, the President said child marriage deprives girls of their childhood, disrupts their education and prevents them from realising their potential.

He warned that early marriage could also lead to early motherhood, health complications, economic dependence and a greater risk of violence.

The President called for improved access to adolescent-friendly services and mental healthcare in every upazila, alongside greater public awareness of available helplines.

He also urged people to uphold religious and moral values, noting that the teachings of all religions emphasise protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls.

Girls Urged to Know Their Rights

Addressing girls directly, the President encouraged them to remain aware of their rights, continue their education, develop practical skills and prepare for independent lives.

He advised those facing injustice, abuse or oppression to seek help from trusted guardians, teachers or the relevant authorities. He also highlighted the importance of learning martial arts for self-defence.

The President said political commitment, administrative capacity, public participation and, above all, a change in mindset were essential to ensuring the rights and welfare of girls.

“No society or nation can advance by leaving women and girl children behind,” he said, calling for collective efforts to build a Bangladesh where every girl can grow up safely, pursue education, develop skills and become self-reliant.

He also recalled former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s contributions to girls’ education, including scholarship initiatives and tuition-free education, and highlighted the importance of political commitment to women’s safety and development.

The President called on all sections of society to work together to ensure a healthy, safe, dignified and promising future for every girl in Bangladesh.

State Minister Farzana Sharmin and BNP National Standing Committee member and lawmaker Begum Selima Rahman addressed the event as special guests.

Country Director of The Hunger Project Bangladesh Prashanta Tripura, Women and Children Affairs Ministry Secretary Dr Rowsan Ara Begum and NGCAF Vice-President Shaheen Akter Doly also spoke.

Earlier, Shaila Sharmin Zaman, director general of the Department of Women Affairs, delivered the welcome address. A documentary on the issue was screened, followed by speeches from two girls and cultural performances by children.

Sun News/ rabbi