The Women Engineers Chapter of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) organized a discussion meeting and rally to mark International Women’s Day 2026.
The program was held at the Shaheed Engineer Bhaban of the IEB headquarters in Ramna, Dhaka at 3pm on Sunday.
Speakers highlighted the contributions of women engineers, the challenges they face in professional environments, and the importance of ensuring equal opportunities.
The chief guest at the discussion was IEB President and Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (Rajuk), Engineer Mohammad Riaz-ul-Islam (Riju).
He said women have reached their current positions through their own talent and competence, but they still face various obstacles both in the workplace and within family life.
He noted that male dominance still exists in many areas of society, where opinions and opportunities for sons are often given more importance than those for daughters. He emphasized the need to change this mindset. He also said that although the Women Engineers Chapter at IEB is relatively new, it has already organized several successful programs, and he assured the chapter of full support from the institution.
Special guest Professor Dr Engineer Md Sabbir Mostafa Khan, honorary secretary general of IEB, said the formal journey of women in engineering education in Bangladesh began in 1986 when female students were admitted to Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet).
He said participation of women in engineering education has increased significantly over the years. However, their participation in employment has not increased proportionately. Mentioning that many women engineers face harassment and humiliation in the workplace, he pledged to form a strong anti-harassment committee within IEB.
Chairperson of the IEB Women’s Committee, Mrs Muslima Khandaker, said Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain played an extraordinary role in establishing women’s rights and promoting female education.
Quoting a famous remark by Napoleon, she said: “Give me an educated mother, and I will give you an educated nation.”
She added that there is no alternative to educated mothers in building an intelligent and progressive nation, and cooperation between men and women is equally important for building a healthy family and society.
Presiding over the event, Chairperson of the Women Engineers Chapter, Engineer Shahnaz Sharmin, said International Women’s Day is an important occasion to honour women and encourage them to move forward.
She said women are now demonstrating their talent in various fields including science, medicine and governance, playing a significant role in national development by overcoming numerous challenges.
The program was moderated by Engineer Ishrat Jahan, secretary of the Women Engineers Chapter. She said International Women’s Day is a global occasion to recognize women’s contributions, struggles and achievements, adding that equal participation of both women and men is essential to building a prosperous society.
Among others present were IEB Vice President (Administration and Finance) Engineer ATM Tanbir-ul Hasan (Tamal), Vice President (S&W) Engineer Niaz Uddin Bhuiyan, Dhaka Centre Honorary Secretary Engineer KM Asaduzzaman, Assistant Member Secretary of the IEB Women’s Committee Dr Firoza Mushira, Honorary Assistant Secretary General Engineer Mohammad Ahsanul Russell and Engineer Sabbir Ahmed Osmani, along with leaders from different levels of IEB and women engineers.
Women engineers and members of the IEB Women’s Committee were greeted with cards, bouquets and chocolates during the program.
A rally was held on the IEB premises following the discussion meeting. Women engineers from different chapters and organizations participated in the rally, led by Women Engineers Chapter Chairperson Engineer Shahnaz Sharmin, Vice-Chairperson Engineer Dilruba Farzana and Secretary Engineer Ishrat Jahan.