BJP MLC Calls Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Tarannum, a 'Pakistani'
New Age Islam News Bureau
27 May 2025
· BJP MLC Calls Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Tarannum, a 'Pakistani'
· Iran Executes 16th Woman, SetarehTaherloo, This Year, Rights Group Says
· Painting Defiance: Afghan Women’s Art Challenges Taliban Silence
· Iran Cancels Football Match in Mashhad Over Women Ban Demand
· Muslim Women Face Discrimination Globally Over Hijab: Muslim Council Of Belgium
· Ghanaian Nurse Naomi OheneOti Wins 2025 Global Nursing Award For Cancer Care Work
· Bangladesh Women’s Reform Report: HC Rejects Writ Challenging Some Recommendations
· Nadira Yasmin, Made OSD ‘For Advocating Equal Rights’A Day After Hefazat-e-IslamProtested Over A Magazine She Edits And Publishes
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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BJP MLC Calls KalaburagiDeputy Commissioner Fouzia Tarannum, a 'Pakistani'
27.05.25
Ravi Kumar and Fouzia Tarannum
Videograb and X/@sonalgoelias
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An FIR was registered against BJP MLC N Ravikumar in connection with alleged "Pakistani" remark he made against Kalaburagi deputy commissioner Fouzia Tarannum, police said on Tuesday.
The alleged comments were made by the MLC during a BJP protest held on May 24, they said.
Ravikumar had accused the IAS officer of working on the orders of the Congress party and had reportedly said, "She seems to have come from Pakistan." A case against the BJP MLC was registered at the Station Bazaar police station and the matter is being investigated, a senior police officer said.
Condemning the incident, the IAS Officer's Association demanded an "unconditional apology" from Kumar for his "irresponsible and unacceptable comments" "Fouzia Tarannum, IAS is an officer of impeccable integrity with an exemplary track record and deep dedication to public service and the State. Remarks made by Ravi kumar against her are baseless, unjustified, and entirely devoid of rationale. Such provocative and false statements not only malign the dignity of committed civil servants but also inflict severe mental trauma and amount to harassment in the line of duty," it said in a statement.
The Association said it stands in firm solidarity with Tarannum and expressed its deep concern over this attempt to publicly undermine the reputation of an officer serving the people of Karnataka with sincerity, distinction and dedicated service in general.
Source: telegraphindia.com
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/karnataka-bjp-mlc-ravi-kumar-calls-kalaburagi-deputy-commissioner-pakistani-fir-registered/cid/2102281
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Iran Executes 16th Woman, SetarehTaherloo, This Year, Rights Group Says
MAY 26, 2025
Setareh Taherloo was executed on Monday at Damghan Central Prison in Semnan Province
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The Islamic Republic's authorities executed a woman convicted on drug charges at a prison in northern Iran, marking the 16th woman put to death in the country this year, according to a human rights organization.
SetarehTaherloo was executed last week at Damghan Central Prison in Semnan province, the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights reported.
Taherloo had been arrested three years ago on a drug trafficking charge and was later sentenced to death by Iranian courts.
The rights group also reported the execution of another prisoner, Ali Asghar Alemi, a Damghan resident who had been imprisoned for 13 years following a first-degree murder conviction.
At least 58 prisoners were executed across Iran in March - an increase of 222 per cent compared to the 18 executions recorded in March 2023.
According to Mai Sato, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, at least 169 people were executed in January and February alone.
During her first presentation to the UN Human Rights Council, Sato warned that if the current pace continues, Iran could execute more than 1,000 people this year.
“I am very concerned about the rapid rise in the number of executions, especially in just the last two months as well,” Sato told IranWire in an exclusive interview following her presentation.
“I believe, looking at last year’s patterns, January and February are usually quiet months, but we’ve already identified at least 169 executions,” she added.
Source: iranwire.com
https://iranwire.com/en/women/141509-iran-executes-16th-woman-this-year-rights-group-says/
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Painting Defiance: Afghan Women’s Art Challenges Taliban Silence
May 27, 2025
Several female painters say they strive to use their art as a voice of protest and a means to narrate the pain and resilience of women. They add that with every color and stroke, they depict the stories of women who fight for light amidst the darkness and under the shadow of the Taliban’s escalating restrictions. These painters emphasize that while a single canvas cannot change the Taliban’s policies, each hue is a step toward keeping women’s voices alive.
Some of these painters state that they display most of their works on social media with the aim of raising global awareness about the situation of women in Afghanistan. These young artists hope that by sharing their works online, they can create a space for solidarity and resistance in the pursuit of restoring women’s rights.
AmnaYousufi, one of the painters, says her professional journey gained meaning when the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan, worsening the country’s political and social conditions. She adds, “Art knows no boundaries; from Afghanistan to America, it can captivate, move, and evoke empathy and support. Art can etch the pain of a mother, the silence of a girl, and the resilience of a woman into the viewer’s mind. Sometimes, a single image can scream louder than a thousand sentences.”
Murwarid Bahar, another painter, uses social media and digital art to amplify the silent cries of millions of women whose rights have been ignored. Her works, which reflect themes such as forced marriages, restrictions on education, work, movement, and even women’s clothing, have been showcased in exhibitions in Denmark, York University in Canada, France, and Pakistan’s National Council.
This painter says, “Today, art is officially banned in Afghanistan. The current rulers [the Taliban] consider any form of artistic activity, especially painting, illustration, and depicting faces, a crime. If someone paints a face or creates artwork within this regime’s framework, they face the risk of imprisonment, punishment, or even death.”
Murwarid strives to portray Afghanistan’s culture, the art of various ethnic groups such as Pashtuns, Hazaras, and Tajiks, as well as children and the country’s natural beauty in her works. According to Murwarid, her goal is to preserve Afghanistan’s cultural identity, especially at a time when many values are at risk of being forgotten.
Deba, too, with brush and color in hand, narrates the pain and suffering of women amidst the Taliban’s repressive restrictions. She says her paintings are not merely reflections of suffering and oppression but also embodiments of the resilience, beauty, and hope that women and girls in Afghanistan continue to hold in their hearts despite the pressures.
This painter says, “When I look at the Taliban’s restrictions, I sometimes wonder if it’s truly possible to express all this injustice. Even art sometimes feels powerless in the face of such immense pain, this density of silence and humiliation. Yet, it is precisely there that the true power of art begins—where words fall silent, but colors can still scream.” Having experienced the bitter threat of the Taliban, she says art is a balm for Afghanistan’s wounds.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, now approaching four years, women have been deprived of education, study, work, travel, recreation, sports, and their most basic rights. Yet, amid this suffocating and repressive environment, some women stand firm—women who, despite exhausting pressures and restrictions, strive to find ways to resist, sustain their lives, and reclaim their individual and collective identities.
These women and girls have turned to painting at a time when the Taliban have banned photography and painting of living beings in the country. According to the Taliban’s Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, any form of depicting living beings is prohibited.
To enforce this law, the Taliban have resorted to widespread suppression of artists, confiscation of artworks, and threats and arrests. In such a stifling atmosphere, painting on canvas for these women is not only an artistic endeavor but also a courageous act of expressing identity, protest, and keeping the silenced voices alive.
Source: 8am.media
https://8am.media/eng/painting-defiance-afghan-womens-art-challenges-taliban-silence/
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Iran Cancels Football Match in Mashhad Over Women Ban Demand
MAY 26, 2025
PAYAM YOUNESIPOUR
The Islamic Republic’s Football Federation has canceled a national team match in Mashhad after religious authorities demanded that women be banned from attending, a federation source told IranWire.
The federation announced on Saturday that Mashhad would no longer host Iran’s match against North Korea, initially citing the visiting team’s objections.
A federation source told IranWire that religious authorities and the province’s security council had deemed hosting the match “impossible” on Thursday.
The source said the Astan Quds Razavi shrine organization and Ahmad Alamolhoda, the Supreme Leader’s representative in the province, would only allow the match if women were prohibited from entering the stadium.
The federation had previously experienced problems in Mashhad when women were beaten outside the stadium during an earlier match.
Women still do not have the right to enter stadiums in many Iranian cities, or they are allowed to sit in the stands only selectively - and typically only to demonstrate their attendance to FIFA.
Source: iranwire.com
https://iranwire.com/en/sports/141508-iran-cancels-football-match-in-mashhad-over-women-ban-demand/
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Muslim Women Face Discrimination Globally Over Hijab: Muslim Council Of Belgium
26 May 2025
Most women in the world face discrimination due to hijab, Chair of the Muslim Council of Belgium (MRB), EsmaUçan, said at the international conference themed “Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias, Shattering Stigmas” in Baku on May 26.
Uçan highlighted the challenges Muslim women encounter due to their religious attire, Caliber.Az reports per local media.
"In Belgium, hundreds of teachers are excluded from the system because of their clothing,” she noted, emphasising that the professional lives of some women are still being restricted due to their beliefs.
“The government should see Muslims as friends, not as threats. Women with headscarves still have difficulty finding jobs. We must fight together against these stereotypes,” she added.
The conference in Baku focused on various issues related to Islamophobia, with several speakers emphasising the difficulties that Muslim women face in the Western world.
In this vein, Aisha Yousef Al-Mannai, Deputy Chairperson of the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue, echoed similar concerns. She noted that Islamophobia not only impacts religious freedoms but also erodes moral values.
"The people of Gaza are currently suffering from hunger, thirst, and disease. The violation of women's rights has always worried humanity. The intersection of religion and cultural prejudices has always been a source of controversy, she said, stressing that Muslim women suffer the most from the misrepresentation of Islam.
Similarly, Morocco’s International Law Professor, UN representative Bahija Jamal pointed out the negative stereotypes about Muslim women in the European media.
“There is a clear exaggeration in the pictures in the presentation. Showing women in such a light is not at all welcome. It is also unfortunate that the voice of Muslim women is not heard in the media space [of Europe],” Jamal stated while showcasing a presentation reflecting negative news and pictures about Muslim women published in some media outlets.
She underscored that the negative stereotypes about Muslim women prevailing in the media contribute to the spread of Islamophobia.
According to Jawad Kerdoudi, President of the Moroccan Institute for International Relations (IMRI), the trend is due to widespread “ignorance in the West.”
He called for improved religious education and increased representation of women within religious institutions.
"Accurate programs about Islam should be developed. Increasing the role of women in religious structures is also necessary. Persons holding the position of imam should also be kept in focus," Kerdoudi advocated.
The conference also touched upon France’s approach to Muslims in the country. Thus, French journalist Jean-Michel Brun noted that Muslims are “presented as terrorists” in the country, fuelling Islamophobia further.
He noted that the contradictory situation in France's foreign policy is evident in its relations with Türkiye, Algeria and Azerbaijan.
“In France today, Muslims are being presented as terrorists. This further encourages Islamophobia. French media owners openly express their views on Islamophobia,” he noted.
Source: caliber.az
https://caliber.az/en/post/muslim-women-face-discrimination-globally-over-hijab-expert-says
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Ghanaian Nurse Naomi OheneOtiWins 2025 Global Nursing Award For Cancer Care Work
26 May 2025
Naomi OyoeOheneOti, an oncology nurse from Ghana, has been awarded the 2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award in recognition of her pioneering work in cancer care and nurse training.
The award, which comes with a $250,000 prize, was presented during a ceremony in Dubai by the UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan.
OheneOti, who heads nursing at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, was selected from among 100,000 applicants representing 199 countries.
Her work has focused on addressing cancer care inequities in Ghana and across Africa, particularly through education and system reform.
“For over two decades, I have witnessed the inequities in cancer care firsthand and dedicated myself to closing these gaps through training, outreach, and system-level change,” she said at the ceremony. “This recognition is not mine alone – it belongs to every nurse across Ghana, Africa, and the world who leads with resilience, compassion, and courage.”
Under her leadership, Ghana’s oncology nursing sector has seen major developments. She helped launch training programs in collaboration with international institutions, including the Cross Cancer Institute in Canada.
She was also part of the team that developed Ghana’s postgraduate oncology nursing curriculum in 2015, which has since trained over 60 oncology nurse specialists and 10 breast care nurses.
Beyond Ghana, OheneOti has influenced cancer nursing policy and education across Africa. She serves on the education and training committee of the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), is a co-investigator on a Global Bridges Oncology grant, and works with international bodies like ASCO and ISNCC. Her advocacy focuses on culturally relevant and equitable cancer care.
Her recognition comes amid growing calls to elevate the nursing profession globally. The award ceremony featured a message from WHO Director-General Dr. TedrosAdhanomGhebreyesus, who praised nurses as vital to healthcare systems worldwide.
The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, launched in 2021 by Aster DM Healthcare, aims to highlight the contributions of nurses in fields including leadership, research, innovation, and community service. This year’s award cycle saw a 28% increase in applications over 2024.
“Nurse Naomi OheneOti has redefined what it means to be a nurse – not just as a caregiver but as an innovator, leader, and change maker,” said Dr. Azad Moopen, founder of Aster DM Healthcare.
In addition to OheneOti, nine other finalists were honoured for their contributions to the field. They included nurses from Switzerland, Papua New Guinea, the UAE, Hong Kong, the USA, Kenya, Malaysia, and India. Finalists were selected through a rigorous process conducted by Ernst & Young LLP and two separate juries.
The award not only highlights individual achievements but also draws attention to the global importance of nursing in advancing public health, especially in under-resourced regions.
Source: africanews.com
https://www.africanews.com/2025/05/26/ghanaian-nurse-naomi-ohene-oti-wins-2025-global-nursing-award-for-cancer-care-work/
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Bangladesh Women’s Reform Report: HC Rejects Writ Challenging Some Recommendations
May 27, 2025
The High Court yesterday summarily rejected a writ petition challenging the legality of several recommendations made in the Women's Affairs Reform Commission's report.
The bench of Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Sikder Mahmudur Razi dismissed the petition, terming it "premature" as the recommendations have not yet been implemented.
On May 19, writ petitioner Rowshan Ali, a Supreme Court lawyer, argued that the proposals in chapters three, four, six, 10, 11 and 12 of the commission's report conflict with Islamic Shariah, offend religious sentiments, and are inconsistent with the constitution.
He urged the court to direct the formation of a committee comprising constitutional experts, Islamic scholars and civil society representatives to review and advise on any future reforms concerning religious and family laws.
Rowshan filed the petition as a public interest litigation on May 4, stating that chapter 11 of the report proposes equal inheritance rights for men and women, which he claimed contradicts provisions in the Holy Quran.
He also objected to the report's recommendation to ban polygamy, arguing that it is a permitted provision under Islamic law. Referring to article 41 of the constitution, he contended that such a restriction would infringe on the right to freely practise religion.
Appearing for the state, Additional Attorney General Aneek R Haque opposed the petition and urged the court to reject it, arguing that the commission's recommendations were still at a premature stage and that any cause of action would arise only if the government decides to adopt them.
"How can the recommendations of the commission be challenged by a writ petition? The recommendations should be left to the government."
Aneek also argued that the petitioner lacked locus standi (the legal standing to bring such a petition), as he is not directly aggrieved by the recommendations. "Therefore, the writ was not maintainable and should be summarily rejected."
Fawzia Karim Firoze, a senior Supreme Court lawyer, also opposed the petition, supporting Aneek's arguments.
In a press release, Shirin Huq, chair of the Women's Affairs Reform Commission, said, "All members of the commission are committed to ensuring women's rights and welcome rational and constructive discussions and criticism with all stakeholders. We are satisfied with the court's decision [to reject the writ petition] and call on all relevant stakeholders to work together towards a just and equal society so that our recommendations can be meaningfully discussed."
Lawyers representing the commission also expressed satisfaction with the court's decision. "We, as lawyers instructed by the Chair of the Women's Affairs Reform Commission, are pleased to note that a divisional bench of the High Court, comprising Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Sikder Mahmudur Razi, has summarily rejected Writ Petition No-7426 of 2025, on the grounds of it being premature. The writ had sought to challenge the constitutionality of certain recommendations of the commission, even though those had neither been adopted nor implemented by the interim government."
The statement, signed by Supreme Court lawyers Sara Hossain, Rashna Imam, Qazi Zahed Iqbal, Manzur Al-Matin, AbedaGulrukh and Priya Ahsan Chowdhury, concluded, "We hope there will be no further efforts to waste the court's valuable time on this matter, and that all concerned stakeholders engage in reasoned and constructive debate on the commission's recommendations to ensure rights and justice for women."
Source: thedailystar.net
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/womens-reform-report-hc-rejects-writ-challenging-some-recommendations-3903711
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Nadira Yasmin, Made OSD ‘For Advocating Equal Rights’A Day After Hefazat-e-IslamProtested Over A Magazine She Edits And Publishes
May 27, 2025
Nadira Yasmin, assistant professor of Bangla at Narsingdi Government College, was made Officer on Special Duty (OSD) yesterday.
The decision came just a day after Hefazat-e-Islam and other religious groups protested over a magazine she edits and publishes, and demanded her removal from the college within 48 hours.
She has been attached to Satkhira Government College, according to a circular from the education ministry issued yesterday. The circular shows Yasmin was among five teachers transferred in the latest order -- three of whom, including her, were made OSD.
Unlike regular transfers, where teachers are assigned new roles, OSD postings usually remove individuals from active duties while keeping them on the payroll.
Though not officially a punishment, the move is widely seen as a disciplinary measure.
Yasmin, a prominent women's rights activist, also edits NariAngan, an online platform.
The controversy stems from articles published in Hisya (rights), a magazine which she edits and publishes. The articles reportedly support equal inheritance rights for men and women, a stance some religious groups claim contradicts Islamic inheritance laws.
After its release, students and religious organisations, including Hefazat-e-Islam, demonstrated on campus demanding her dismissal.
The Democratic Rights Committee, in a statement signed by Professor Anu Muhammad, condemned the action against Yasmin.
"It is unfortunate that a female teacher is being removed from her post simply for expressing an opinion. This goes against freedom of expression," it said.
The committee demanded an impartial, subject-based investigation into the issue.
Yasmin posted the order on Facebook, writing, "My freedom of expression has been violated. As a woman, I protest this incident. However, no force can suppress my voice when it comes to speaking up for human rights."
Bangladesh Feminist Archives, a platform for preserving, documenting and promoting intersectional feminist movements in Bangladesh, condemned the government's move, which it said goes against the values of democracy, July uprising, and the principles of free speech.
"Nadira Yasmin committed no crime. She simply voiced an opinion in a public debate. Even if her position were controversial, she had every right to express it. The state's duty was to protect her, not surrender to mob pressure," it said, urging the interim government to reverse the decision.
Meanwhile, Mufti Tarequl Rahman, private secretary to Hefazat's Narsingdi wing leader, said, "A solution has been reached. We are happy." He did not elaborate.
Source: thedailystar.net
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/female-teacher-made-osd-advocating-equal-rights-3904091
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URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/mlc-calls-kalaburagi-deputy-commissioner-pakistani/d/135685