Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid addressed a view-sharing meeting titled 'Government in the Line of the People for the Protection of Marginalized Disabled, Women and Children' at the Rangpur Medical College auditorium. Photo: BSS

RANGPUR, Nov 25, 2025 (BSS) - Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid has urged all quarters to work together to build a safe, non-discriminatory and developed Bangladesh for women and children in line with the spirit of the July Uprising.

"We want to build a Bangladesh where women and children can walk freely in the open air," she said while addressing a view-sharing meeting titled 'Government in the Line of the People for the Protection of Marginalized Disabled, Women and Children' at the Rangpur Medical College auditorium this evening.

Paying tribute to the martyrs and activists of the July Uprising, including Abu Sayeed, she said the youth-led uprising against injustice has placed the country on a new path. "The opportunity created by the youth through the July Uprising to form a new Bangladesh requires everyone's cooperation to fully realize it," she added.

Sharmeen said the interim government is working to bring structural changes to the country through new laws, policies and reforms.

On the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections, she said both the interim government and the Election Commission have declared their readiness. "We must have faith in the government. If any mistake occurs, journalists are there to point it out," she said.

She emphasized that political parties carry the greatest responsibility in ensuring a peaceful election atmosphere. "They must act democratically, remain tolerant and fulfill their duties responsibly. We expect them not to create chaos that forces the state to struggle to maintain order," she said.

Referring to the rising rate of violence against women and children, Sharmeen stressed the need for community vigilance. "Guards must be formed in every neighborhood and village. State institutions must work in close connection with society," she noted.

She also expressed her intention to bring the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs closer to the people. "We have adopted a Quick Response Strategy. Wherever violence against women and children occurs, the Quick Response Team will reach the spot within 24 hours," she said.

Later in the evening, she attended another view-sharing meeting with officials and beneficiaries of the Child Sensitive Social Protection in Bangladesh (CSPB) Phase II project at the same venue, where participants recited the youth oath titled 'Women and Children's Safety and New Social Contract'.

Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Enamul Ahsan presided over the event. Rangpur Medical College Principal Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Vice-Principal Professor Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain and Most. Zilufa Sultana, Director of the Department of Social Services (Rangpur Division), were present as special guests.