Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized the government’s comprehensive efforts to empower women across sectors and ensure their rights, stating that Bangladesh has successfully realized the vision of Begum Rokeya.
Speaking at the “Begum Rokeya Day-2023” event, commemorating the 143rd birth and 91st death anniversary of Begum Rokeya Shakhawat Hossain, the premier highlighted various initiatives aimed at women’s empowerment and equal opportunities. The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs organized the program, which included the distribution of the “Begum Rokeya Padak-2023” to five distinguished women.
Hasina affirmed the government’s commitment to equal rights for men and women, creating job opportunities as a pivotal step in achieving women’s economic independence. She stressed the importance of economic solvency for women’s empowerment and acknowledged the realization of Rokeya’s dream, where women now excel in various fields, including becoming judges and barristers.
Reflecting on historical milestones, Prime Minister Hasina noted the lifting of the legal barrier preventing women from becoming judges before the country’s independence. Nazmun Ara Sultana became the first female judge in the lower court, with subsequent appointments in the High Court and the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court under Hasina’s government.
The program honored five accomplished women, each receiving a gold medal, a certificate, and a Tk 4 lakh cheque. Among the awardees were Professor Khaleda Ekram (posthumous), the first female vice-chancellor of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dr. Halida Hanum Akhter, a noted reproductive health expert, Kamrunnesa Ashraf Dina (posthumous) for socio-economic development, Ronita Bala for rural development, and Nishat Mazumder (Mountaineer) for her contribution to women’s awakening.
State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Fazilatun Nessa Indira, MP, and Secretary Nazma Mobarek also addressed the occasion. Nishat Majumder, speaking on behalf of the awardees, expressed gratitude for the recognition.