Deputy Foreign Minister Shama Obaed Islam has said the current government is taking effective measures to ensure equal rights, empowerment and dignity for women, and that the family card scheme is playing an important role in women's economic empowerment. She was speaking at a discussion meeting organized to mark International CEDAW Day 2026 at CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka, presided over by Bangladesh Mahila Parishad President Dr. Fauzia Moslem. Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, Convenor of Citizens' Platform for SDGs and Distinguished Fellow of CPD, attended as special guest, while Luna Nur, a member of Mahila Parishad's international sub-council, presented the keynote paper.

The Deputy Minister noted that despite political changes and an uprising in the country, women's representation in parliament has not increased to the desired level, urging new women leaders to be more vocal in claiming their rights. The keynote paper argued that awareness alone cannot secure women's rights; ensuring equal rights to inheritance and property between men and women is essential. Dr. Bhattacharya stressed that women's development is hindered without support from the state, society and family, and that property ownership strengthens women's decision-making power and protection from violence. Mahila Parishad observed that despite growing participation of women in agriculture, they lack control over land, making it harder for women entrepreneurs to access bank loans. Five recommendations were presented, including reforming inheritance law, ensuring joint ownership of khas land and marital property, easier loans for women entrepreneurs, and free legal aid. Other speakers included Zakia K. Hasan, Salma Ali, Shahnaz Sumi, Chandan Lahiri and Ashrafun Nahar Misti.