The National Citizen Party (NCP) unveiled a new initiative today named “Nari Shakti,” a platform dedicated to addressing women’s rights, dignity, security, and empowerment. The announcement was made by NCP Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam during a program held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) in the afternoon.
Nahid introduced a three-member leadership committee for the platform, which is set to grow to 41 members in the future. Monira Sharmin, a joint convener of the NCP central committee, was appointed as the convener of Nari Shakti. Dr. Mahmuda Alam Mitu will fulfill the role of member secretary, and Nusrat Tabassum will serve as the chief organizer.
The party highlighted the background of the leadership team, citing Monira’s previous election as the general secretary of Dhaka University’s Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall Sangsad, Nusrat’s involvement as a key coordinator in an anti-discrimination student movement at Dhaka University, and Dr. Mahmuda Mitu’s efforts in providing medical aid to injured protesters during the July uprising.
Nahid explained the necessity of a separate platform focused on women’s issues despite initially considering addressing these matters within the party’s existing structure after gaining a year of experience. He emphasized that the launch coincided with International Women’s Day and expressed optimism about Nari Shakti’s future expansion nationwide.
Highlighting the vision of establishing a discrimination-free society for women, Nahid stressed the importance of preventing increased violence against women following political transitions and elections. He urged the government to take strict measures to prevent such violence and ensure accountability.
Nahid mentioned that women from within the NCP, its affiliated organizations, and outside the party would have the opportunity to join the platform. The event also featured a discussion in honor of International Women’s Day, where former interim government adviser Farida Akhtar, Sabikun Nahar Munni from Jamaat-e-Islami’s central women’s wing, Zyma Islam from The Daily Star, and Fatima Tasnim Zuma, a leader from Ducsu, participated, among others.
