Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina is working sincerely to materialize the dream of Begum Rokeya following her ideals in establishing equal rights of women in the society, reports BSS.
“The present government has overcome all barriers to establish equal rights of women and their emancipation in the nation-building activities,” said HN Ashiqur Rahman, MP, at a discussion held at Pairaband village in Rangpur on Monday as the chief guest.
The discussion was organised on the first day of the three-day observance programmes of Rokeya Day-2019 by the district administration at village Pairaband, birthplace of Begum Rokeya, in Mithapukur upazila of the district.
Earlier, Ashiqur Rahman with high officials placed wreaths at ‘Begum Rokeya Smritistambha’ and released pigeons at Pairaband village to begin observance of the day. He offered special munajats seeking divine blessings for eternal peace of the departed soul of Begum Rokeya.
The first day observance programmes also included voluntarily blood donation, blood group tests and inauguration of three-day `Rokeya Fair’ followed by a cultural function. Deputy Commissioner and President of the Rokeya Day Observance Committee Md. Asib Ahsan presided over the discussion.
Secretary to Bangla Academy Mohammad Anwar Hossain, Additional Divisional Commissioner (General) Md. Zakir Hossain, District Council Chairman Advocate Chhafia Khanom and Rokeya Padak-2016 winner and Member of Parliament Aroma Dutta, President of Mithapukur upazila Awami League Mozammel Haque Mintu and upazila Chairman Zakir Hossain Sarker addressed as special guests.
Former Head of the Department of Bengali of Rangpur Government Rokeya College Professor Mohammad Shah Alam participated as the main discussant.
The speakers discussed contribution of Begum Rokeya to advancement of the women by spreading female education to ensure their equal rights and eradicate gender disparity. Terming Begum Rokeya as the pioneer of women renaissance and a social philosopher, Professor Alam said her ideals are still showing the right pathway to the modern society. The chief guest said Bangladesh has achieved a considerable progress to become a role model of women empowerment before the global stage.
“The country is marching towards realizing the conscience of Begum Rokeya by ensuring female education and equal rights, dignity and socio-political empowerment of the women,” he added.
