Concert: Ei Poth Amadero

Global social and human rights organisation, Drishtipat, arranged a unique rally in the city last Saturday to promote the dignity of women and the rights of pedestrians on the streets. Titled, ‘Ei Poth Amadero’ (The Roads Belongs to Us Also), the rally, drawing people from different backgrounds and professions, started off from the National Museum premises and ended at the Shaheed Minar.

Coach of the Bangladesh women’s cricket team, Farida Akhter, who joined the rally with her entire team, said, “Such programmes shouldn’t be a one-time event.” Acknowledging the presence of many youngsters in the rally, executive director of ‘Manusher Jonno,’ Shaheen Anam, said, “We’re elated to pass the torch of social movement to the young.”

The rally was followed by a concert at Rabindra Sarobar where leading female singers performed for the cause. The concert, featuring the band Bangla and artiste Krishnokoli, was attended by almost 10,000 people. The event kicked off with brief speeches by Drishtipat executive director, Asif Saleh; organiser of the event and one of the directors of Drishtipat, Iffat Nawaz; TV journalist Munni Saha, and garments workers’ rights activist, Najma Akhter.

“Initiated by some expatriate Bangladeshis, Drishtipat, talks about everyone’s rights, with an understanding of the social context of our country. Starting as a web-based organisation, Drishtipat has mobilised quickly over the years and currently has nine chapters in five countries with more than 3000 members and donors,” said Asif Saleh. Iffat Nawaz talked about the issues she faced on the streets of Dhaka after moving back from Washington DC and said that she would consider this event a success if it makes even two individuals think twice before harassing a woman on the street. Munni Saha recalled her experiences in reporting on the streets and called for a united social understanding of dignity of women in public places.

The concert began with a young singer, Suchi. A student of English Literature, Suchi wrote and composed the songs she performed at the event. Next to perform was the troupe, Chirkut. Krishnokoli and the band, Bangla, presented some of their popular numbers and spoke on the theme of the campaign in between performances. Anusheh, the vocalist of Bangla, addressed the need for women to gather strength and protest every injustice, while Krishnakali called for a collective change in the attitude of Bangladeshis in the new (Bengali) year, embracing everything good and noble.

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