Since 1975, March 8 has been celebrated as International Women’s Day, "Gender Equality Beyond 2005: Building a More Secure Future” the theme of International Women's Day this year."

ASF programmes on Int'l Women's Day 2005
 

The Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF), in collaboration with other co-sponsors, has taken up an elaborate programme to observe the International Women's Day in a befitting manner.

This was announced by ASF Executive Director Munira Rahman at a press conference at the National Press Club in the city on 6th March 2005.

Munira said, "Bringing out a men's rally on the day is one of the main campaigns of our foundation. The active participation of men in the rally in 2002 inspired the government to enact a law to prevent acid violence."

"This year, we have chalked out a two-day programmes to be participated by the government and non-government organisations, civil societies, doctors' associations, legal professionals, cultural bodies and mass media. The programmes include drama, cultural function and rally," she added.

Munira said the programmes are aimed to help implement the laws related to prevention of acid violence and ensure their equal rights in the society.

As part of the programmes, a cultural function will be held in front of the Teachers Students Centre of Dhaka University on 7th March 2005 at 4:30pm .

A men's rally under the theme 'Men promise no more acid throwing: justice and good governance can stop acid violence' will be taken out from the Central Shaheed Minar on 8th March 2005. It will be inaugurated by Poet Shamsur Rahman at 2:30pm.

At the end of the rally at the National Press Club, a declaration would be read out. It will be followed by a one-minute speech by each of the 15 speakers including Dr S M A Faiz, vice-chancellor of Dhaka University, Boshir, an acid survivor, Dr Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, executive director of Brac, A F Hassan Arif, attorney general, Abdul Awal Mintu, president of FBCCI, Reaz Uddin Ahmed, president of National Press Club, and Habibul Bashar, captain of Bangladesh Cricket Team.

Brac, Care Bangladesh, Hunger Project Bangladesh, Girl Child Advocacy Forum and Expression Ltd are the main co-sponsors of the events. The media partners are Channel i, ATN Bangla, New Age, The Independent, The Daily Star, Sangbad and Bhorer Kagoj.

SDNP
Bangladesh