Tuesday, November 30, 2004
BBC NEWS | South Asia | Bangladesh stops women swimmers
BBC NEWS | South Asia | Bangladesh stops women swimmers
"'Offensive'
The long-distance swimming competition had been due to take place in a river in Chandpur, south of the capital.
Male swimmers set off as planned, but the women's event was cancelled.
Four female swimmers had been expected to take part.
The decision was made by Bangladesh's Sports Minister, Fazlur Rahman.
He said he had no choice after a radical Islamic group threatened to bring the entire district around Chandpur to a halt with protests.
The Committee for Resistance to Un-Islamic Activities said women taking part in the sport would offend Bangladesh's more than 100 million Muslims. "
"'Offensive'
The long-distance swimming competition had been due to take place in a river in Chandpur, south of the capital.
Male swimmers set off as planned, but the women's event was cancelled.
Four female swimmers had been expected to take part.
The decision was made by Bangladesh's Sports Minister, Fazlur Rahman.
He said he had no choice after a radical Islamic group threatened to bring the entire district around Chandpur to a halt with protests.
The Committee for Resistance to Un-Islamic Activities said women taking part in the sport would offend Bangladesh's more than 100 million Muslims. "
