Authors Bio
Nasrin Lubna is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Law at North Bengal International University, Rajshahi, Bangladesh. She holds a PhD in Law from the Institute of Bangladesh Studies, University of Rajshahi, along with LLB and LLM degrees from the same university. With extensive experience in academia, legal practice, and research, she has published her work in internationally recognized scholarly journals and presented at numerous national and international conferences. Dr. Lubna has undertaken various professional development and leadership training programs in Bangladesh and abroad, including a Certificate in Leadership Development (CLD) from CIT, Perth, Western Australia. She has held significant academic and administrative positions, including Head of the Department of Law and Director of the Teacher and Student Center (TSC) at North Bengal International University. In addition to her academic and professional commitments, she actively engages in socio-cultural initiatives and community development. Her research interests include consumer protection, women’s rights, legal reform, and socio-legal issues.
Abstract
Women’s rights have gained growing policy prominence in developed countries, fostering the development of robust legal frameworks that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. These advancements have also encouraged developing countries to strengthen their own mechanisms for protecting and advancing women’s rights. Despite Bangladesh’s notable progress in women’s education, employment, and political participation, and countable progress in the enactment of relevant laws, widespread gender-based violence and discrimination pose a significant negative impact on the successful protection of women’s rights. This paper examines the current scenario of women’s rights and legal status in Bangladesh. It critically analyses constitutional guarantees, statutory laws, institutional frameworks, and the roles of government agencies, the judiciary, civil society organizations, and international partners’ initiatives in protecting women’s rights in Bangladesh. Key features of the Prevention of Oppression against Women and Children Act, 2000 (Nari O Shishu Nirjatan Daman Ain, 2000), recent amendments, and implementation mechanisms are highlighted, while significant legislative and procedural shortcomings are also identified. Although Bangladesh possesses a robust legal framework in form, well-established structural patriarchy, pervasive social prejudice, and persisting significant gaps between law and practice noticeably undermine effective protection. Harmonization of existing laws, adoption of victim-centered approaches, strengthening accountability mechanisms, and more effective implementation strategies are necessary for the meaningful realization of women’s rights. The paper concludes with implications.
Keywords
Women’s rights, Gender equality, Legal protection, Repression, Gender-based violence.
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