The NGOs also called upon the government to ratify Article 2 and Article 16.1(c) of the 'Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) before submission of its fifth periodic report to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.

The government will submit its fifth periodic report on July 9.

Earlier, Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK), Bangladesh Mohila Parishad (BMP) and Steps Towards Development (STD) also submitted their recommendations on the articles to the government.

The three NGOs at a press conference at the National Press Club said the government should withdraw its reservation on the articles to enhance image of the country globally.

Bangladesh ratified CEDAW in 1984 with four reservations. After fourth periodic report in 1997 Bangladesh ratified the Article 13(a) and 16.1(f) but continued its reservation on Article 2 and 16.1(c) saying that they contradicts with the Sharia Law.

The three NGO leaders said that more than 165 countries had signed CEDAW, including 26 Muslim countries and 19 countries, already ratified the Article 2 and 16.1(c).

"Our recommendations are not against our constitution and government but the government has not yet taken necessary measures to ratify the articles," said Ranjan Karmaker, Director of the STD.

They said that different countries would submit their country report on CEDAW in New York from July 1 to 25.

Mohila Parishad General Secretary Ayesa Khanom said that non-government organisations of different countries would submit their 'shadow' reports on it to UNCEDAW. ASK, BMP and STD have already submitted their reports, she added.

Human rights activist Dr Hamida Hossain presided. Ayasa Khanam read out the written statement.

Shahin Anam, Kohinur Begum, Jahanara Haque and Krishna Das Gupta were present at the conference.