DHAKA, May 06 (V7N) - Sharmeen S Murshid, Adviser to the Ministries of Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs, today emphasized that collective support for women is essential to prevent violence and repression against them and to establish a discrimination-free Bangladesh.  

"The interim government is committed not just in words but in action, ensuring women's safety, a secure working atmosphere, and their empowerment," she affirmed.

In this context, Sharmeen noted that the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 190 aligns with Bangladesh's dedication to gender equality and addressing gender-based violence and harassment in the workplace.

The Women and Children Affairs Adviser made these remarks at a dialogue on Convention 190 concerning violence and harassment at work. The event was jointly organized by the Trade Union International Labour Standards Committee and the ILO Bangladesh Country Office at a hotel in the city.

Also present at the dialogue were Labour and Employment Secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman, ILO Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen, Women Affairs Reform Commission Chief Shirin Parvin Haque, Trade Union International Labour Standard Committee member Chowdhury Ashikul Alam, and Executive Director of the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies Syed Sultan Ahmed, among others, according to a press release from the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.

Highlighting the potential for greater female participation if their safety and security are guaranteed, the adviser stated that they would be held accountable by the nation if a secure environment for women cannot be ensured.

She mentioned the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Labour and Employment to amend the Labour Law, alongside the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs' work to prevent all forms of sexual harassment against women.  

Sharmeen concluded, "We will think afresh in a new Bangladesh where women will be given equal opportunity in the workplace... Our laws will be further strengthened, our accountability will increase, and hopefully, we will build a new Bangladesh with united efforts from all.

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