Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain today said the government will take strict action against all forms of violence against women, including rape and that no leniency will be shown in this regard.

"Preventing violence against women and combating drug abuse are among the government's top priorities," he told a meeting of Women and Children Affairs Ministry on drafting an action plan and providing directives for implementing the government's 2026 election manifesto, held at the ministry's conference room in Dhaka.

The minister directed to launch special programmes nationwide to raise public awareness and foster a social movement against violence targeting women.

He also highlighted women's economic empowerment, urging the development of training-based programmes and the expansion of market opportunities to increase employment for women. 

Zahid directed the Joyita Foundation to take steps to support women entrepreneurs and stressed strengthening security and ensuring a conducive environment in working women's hostels, expanding hostel capacity, and extending such facilities to district levels.

He emphasised that greater attention must be given to reproductive health for women in rural and marginalised communities.

Newly appointed Secretary Yasmin Parvin and officials from various departments and agencies attended the meeting. The minister welcomed and congratulated Secretary Yasmin Parvin and instructed participants to prioritise key initiatives under the government's 180-day action plan.

On child development, Zahid urged the expansion of the Bangladesh Shishu Academy's reach and more effective initiatives to support children's mental and cognitive development. He also instructed coordination for programmes benefiting children with disabilities.

The minister further directed authorities to develop action plans for improving day-care centres, taking into account the needs of working women's children. He stressed that caregiving skills training for both women and men could be coordinated with the National Skill Development Authority to enhance skills development in this sector.