BNP central leader Nargis Begum has alleged that under what she called the "fascist rule" of Sheikh Hasina, women in Bangladesh have not been spared from persecution and repression.

Speaking at a discussion, she praised the resilience of Mahila Dal activists, saying they remained steadfast on the streets despite facing countless adversities.

“Even when Felani’s body was hanging at the border fence, our women leaders risked their lives to raise their voices in protest,” she said.

Nargis highlighted the vision of late President Ziaur Rahman, noting his belief that no nation could progress while half its population—its women—remained marginalized. “Ziaur Rahman integrated women into productive work through proper training, and today women are proving their capabilities in every professional field,” she added.

She also credited Begum Khaleda Zia for further expanding these initiatives.

At the same event, BNP leader Anindya Islam said that Ziaur Rahman had legislated against the curse of dowry and initiated women’s empowerment through the National Women’s Organization and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs.

He added, “Khaleda Zia introduced laws to protect women from acid violence, ensured free education for girls up to grade twelve, and reserved 50 percent of primary teacher recruitment for women.”