NCP launches women's platform 'Nari Shakti'

National Citizen Party (NCP) today launched a women’s platform, “Nari Shakti”, aimed at addressing issues related to women’s rights, dignity, security, and empowerment.

The announcement was made by NCP Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam at a programme held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) this afternoon.

Nahid introduced a three‑member leadership committee for the platform, which will eventually expand to 41 members.

Monira Sharmin, joint convener of the NCP central committee, was named convener of Nari Shakti, while Dr Mahmuda Alam Mitu will serve as member secretary, and Nusrat Tabassum as chief organiser.

According to the party, Monira was elected general secretary of Dhaka University’s Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall Sangsad in 2019; Nusrat was a frontline coordinator of the anti‑discrimination student movement at Dhaka University; and Dr Mahmuda Mitu treated injured protesters during the July uprising.

“We initially thought women’s issues could be addressed through the party’s main organisational structure. But after a year of experience, we realised that a separate platform focusing on women’s issues is necessary,” Nahid said, explaining the rationale behind the initiative.

He added that the launch coincided with International Women’s Day and expressed hope that Nari Shakti would expand nationwide.

“Nari Shakti represents the vision of a discrimination‑free society for women that we sought to establish through the July mass uprising,” Nahid said.

He also warned that incidents of violence against women often increase after political transitions and elections, urging the government to take strict measures to prevent such violence and ensure accountability.

He noted that women from NCP, its affiliated organisations, and outside the party would be able to join the platform.

A discussion marking International Women’s Day was also held at the event. Former interim government adviser Farida Akhtar spoke, alongside Sabikun Nahar Munni of Jamaat‑e‑Islami’s central women’s wing, The Daily Star's senior reporter Zyma Islam, and Ducsu leader Fatima Tasnim Zuma, among others.