Moitree Jatra Draws Thousands to Manik Mia Avenue with Call for Gender Equity

Around five thousand people from diverse backgrounds gathered on Manik Mia Avenue for the Moitree Jatra, a march demanding gender equity. The crowd, comprising both women and men, began assembling after the Juma prayer in a show of solidarity.

"We came here in response to the call from women—to let everyone know that we are united on issues that affect us all," said Rehnuma Ahmed, a former teacher at Jahangirnagar University. "This is not a space for anger or slurs. We are here to show our collective commitment to the cause."

Nazifa Raidah, an NGO worker, said she joined to protest widespread violence against women. “After the fall of the fascist regime, we hoped we wouldn't need to return to the streets. Yet women continue to face public harassment, beatings, and intimidation by mobs. These actions are aimed at pushing women back into their homes. We are here to resist that, and to demand dignity and equity.”

Participants carried placards with messages such as “No means no,” “It’s never about clothes or belief, just weak men quaking, seeking relief,” and “Resist marital rape.”

The event opened with a cultural programme showcasing performances by individuals from various communities. An official declaration outlining the movement’s key demands was read from the stage before the crowd set off on a procession toward Khamarbari, eventually circling back to Manik Mia Avenue.

The peaceful march was energized by chants, slogans, and a unified call for justice and gender equality.