State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin spoke at a city hotel today. Photo: Collected

DHAKA, June 10, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin today underscored the need for coordinated efforts to ensure the protection of women and children.

She made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a workshop titled “From University to Workplace: Formulating a National Framework to Ensure Safe Education and Work Environments for Women” at a city hotel.

Umbrella Facility for Gender Equality of the World Bank, UNFPA Bangladesh, and the Thinking, Innovation and Gender Lab of the Department of Women and Gender Studies at University of Dhaka jointly organized the workshop.

Farzana said punitive measures alone are not sufficient for protecting women and children rather preventive actions must be given priority. 

“We are often proactive in taking legal or punitive action after abuse or violence occurs. However, we do not investigate the root causes behind such crimes, nor do we take effective steps to prevent them. Offenders are taking advantage of this gap,” she said. 

“We now need to address the problem at its roots. Alongside the strict enforcement of laws and policies, the greatest need today is to focus on preventive measures,” she said.
UNFPA Bangladesh Representative Catherine Breen Kamkong, UGC member Prof Dr Abdullah-Al-Mamun and World Bank Senior Social Development Specialist Sabah Moyeen spoke as the special guests.

Dr. Syed Shaikh Imtiaz, Head of the Thinking, Innovation and Gender Lab of the Department of Women and Gender Studies at the University of Dhaka, presented the keynote paper. Women and Gender Studies Department acting chairperson Dr. Soma Dey gave welcome address.