She was the only woman among 300 men studying to be a lawyer but that did not deter her. She went for her bar examination wearing a burqua, much to the consternation of her examiners. They posed tough questions hoping to disqualify her but she answered them all with amazing confidence. It silenced all their disquiet. Today at 43, she is an advocate in the Gaibandha District Judge Court with 17 years of practice behind her.

“I did face a lot of criticism when I was studying. My male class mates would often taunt me. Even when I began my practice, I was faced with harassment; it still embarrasses me when I think back on what was said and done. Some of in-laws, too, raised objections to my being a lawyer and would discourage me from taking on tough cases.

My husband, who is also a lawyer and an active member of the Bangladesh National Lawyers Association, however, has supported me and been my source of strength. My answer to all those who have opposed me and still oppose me is that I will not back track on my intention to bring justice to women. To those who say that I have an irresponsible mother and wife, I say that my children are ‘responsible’ and ‘good’ human beings who are doing exceedingly well in their careers and personal lives. Women are the same as men and we too should be allowed to realise our full potential. Nothing has stopped me and I hope that other women are unshackled to realise their dreams.

In all my years at the court, there have been several cases of domestic violence but very few are resolved in a fair manner. Women often face humiliation and there are so many insinuations made against her character. They are also made to deal with unfamiliar paperwork and unnecessary adjournments. Violence should be viewed as a criminal offence, only then can there be justice. But laws alone cannot address the problem. Community attitudes need to be changed. This is why I have taken the lead to speak to women in my community and get them to change their own attitudes and the attitudes of their men folk. It is far more important to bring about community awareness on the issue; solutions can come about only in this fashion.

I also have written editorials in the local papers to highlight the seriousness of the issue and get people to dialogue on the issue. I hope to keep doing my bit in the coming years to help women in distress.”