Stressing the need for women empowerment, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said Bangladesh women are doing a great job for the development of the country.
“In every sector women are coming forward. All these are happening just for the influence of Begum Rokeya and our government is working for the development of women,” the premier said.
The prime minister was speaking at an award giving ceremony of the winners of Begum Rokeya Padak-2016 at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, marking the Begum Rokeya Day.
Women and Children Affairs Ministry organised the programme with State Minister for Women and Children Affairs, Meher Afroz Chumki, in the chair.
This year the prestigious Rokeya Padak was conferred to two eminent women personalities—Aroma Dutta and Begum Noorjahan—for their contribution to the society for the development of the country.
“We want to turn Bangladesh into a poverty-free country. However, we won’t be able to materialise our dream if we don’t take the womenfolk to the path to drive away poverty,” the prime minister said.
The nation is observing Begum Rokeya Day today, marking the 136th birth and 84th death anniversary of the pioneer of awakening women’s rights in the subcontinent.
Women and Children Affairs Ministry and various other socio-cultural and political organisations are observing the day with elaborate programmes, including milad, placing wreaths at her portraits, discussions, rally and cultural functions.
Begum Rokeya Shakhawat Hossain was born on December 9, 1880 at Pairaband village in Rangpur, and she passed away on December 9, 1932 in Kolkata.
President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia issued separate messages paying rich tributes to Begum Rokeya on the occasion.
Report: The Daily Star
