On his birthday, Tarique vows five-pronged plan to ensure women’s safety

He says the country cannot move forward unless daughters, mothers, sisters, and female colleagues live without fear

Tarique Rahman has posted a photograph with his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman on Facebook, sharing five pledges to ensure women’s safety.

On Thursday, he said both he and the party had decided against holding any birthday celebrations.

In his post, Tarique reflected on the changing world his daughter faces compared with his own upbringing, acknowledging both opportunities and risks.

He stressed that Bangladesh can only progress if women -- whether daughters, mothers, sisters, or colleagues -- live free from “harassment, intimidation, bullying, and violence simply for speaking, working, studying, or trying to live freely”.

He outlined five urgent initiatives to protect women:

1. National online safety system: A fast, simple way for women to report cyberbullying, threats, impersonation, and leaked information, supported by a 24/7 hotline, an online portal, and trained responders who act quickly and respectfully. Partnerships with major platforms can improve Bangla-language moderation and ensure abusive content is removed swiftly.

2. Protection protocols for women in public life: Clear national guidelines, rapid legal and digital support, and confidential reporting channels for women who face attacks as journalists, activists, students, or community leaders. No woman should be silenced for participating in public life.

3. Digital safety education: Schools and universities should teach practical digital-safety skills during orientation. Trained teachers act as “safety focal points”, and annual awareness campaigns help young people navigate the digital world with confidence.

4. Stronger community-level response to violence and harassment: Community help desks, safer transport routes, improved street lighting, and trauma-sensitive responders can make daily life safer and more predictable for women.

5. Nationwide push for women’s leadership and participation: Leadership training, mentoring networks, and expanded access to childcare in schools, offices, and workplaces can allow women to lead, achieve, and contribute fully. When women rise, the nation rises with them.

Tarique wrote, “Women must feel safe. Both online and offline, at home and in public, in their personal lives and in their professional journeys.”