Backlash against the idea of creating a special area just for women at a resort in Bangladesh has been strong.
The authorities in Bangladesh’s main tourist resort have swiftly backtracked on their decision to open a women-only beach zone after social media users compared them to the Taliban.
An exclusive area for women and children had been set aside at the Cox’s Bazar Beach on Wednesday – the world’s longest natural strand, stretching some 120km (75 miles) – and a large sign erected in the sand to inform beachgoers of the new rules.
According to AFP News Agency, a top official stated that the local women were not being treated fairly. “requested a dedicated beach section for themselves, because they felt shy and insecure in a crowded place.”Bangladesh, a country that is Muslim with 161 millions inhabitants and a conservative populace, is home to 161 million people.
The move had been made in the wake of the gang rape of a woman in Cox’s Bazar last week, which raised concerns about safety in the area, which is visited by foreign and local tourists alike. However, it was removed from the site within hours.
The authorities issued an official statement confirming that the decision was taken. “withdrawn”They described it as “negative comments.”
A number of social media users had trashed the initiative, accusing the resort’s administration of gender segregation and of pandering to Islamists.
“This is Talebistan,”Syed Ishtiaque Reza (a prominent journalist) declared it on Facebook. He was referring to Taliban radical organization that has been imposing strict Islamic rules regarding the conduct of women ever since its August victory in Afghanistan.
He was backed by many others, who insisted the authorities shouldn’t give in to the hardline Islamist groups that have been staging rallies across Bangladesh in recent years and demanding segregation of the sexes in workplaces.
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