Bangladesh: Women-specific beach plan canceled after social media criticism
A section of the beach in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, was reserved for women only, but many women were overjoyed, but only a few hours later, the decision was reversed by the authorities when they He has been criticized for promoting religious extremism.
The decision to set aside a section of the coast of Cox's Bazar, 150 km from Chittagong, Bangladesh, exclusively for women and children, was taken by local authorities on Thursday at the request of a few women.
According to local officials, the decision separated only 150 meters of the beach where men would not be allowed to enter, but the decision was announced a few hours later.
It should be noted that Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority country with a large population still conservative.
"Women feel insecure in the crowd"
Abu Sufyan, a senior Cox's Bazar official, told AFP that the women had requested that a portion of the beach be reserved for them because they felt insecure in the crowd.
Shortly before the ruling, a woman was gang-raped in Cox's Bazar, prompting a wave of concern across the country, especially over the safety of women in Cox's Bazar.
But news of the decision to set aside a section of the beach for women caused a stir on social media.
"Government is kneeling before extremists"
Critics have accused the government of bowing to extremists.
In Bangladesh, extremists have recently staged demonstrations demanding the separation of men and women in the workplace.
Criticism of the decision on social media, one user described it as tantamount to making the country a "Taliban", referring to the current Taliban government in Afghanistan, which has imposed restrictions on women's rights.
It should be noted that Cox's Bazar beach is considered to be the longest natural beach not only in Bangladesh but in the whole world where people come from all over the world.
Tourism in the area has been booming in recent times and millions of people come here for sightseeing.