Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged the country's women to keep confidence in their inherent talent and power and work together with their male counterparts to build a developed nation.
"We want every man and women to work with dedication for building a developed nation ... women should always do the work for flourishing their inherent talent and power keeping that quality in their mind," she said while distributing Rokeya Padak 2017 in Dhaka on Saturday.
"Women should become independent in every sphere of life. They have to move forward by their own efforts, not being dependent on others," Hasina said, adding that “women must beat every barrier on their own to go ahead."
Urging every woman to stand beside the downtrodden people, she said, “It is our duty to stand by the poor and physically challenged people to build up their confidence and assist them to come out of the disgraceful situation.”
"We will be able to change the society if we work together," she added.
State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Meher Afroze Chumki presided over the function marking 'Rokeya Dibash'.
Secretary of the ministry Nasima Begum delivered the welcome address. On behalf of the recipients Mazeda Showkat Ali spoke at the function.
Also Read: Five receive Rokeya Padak
This year, five prominent women of the country received the Begum Rokeya Award for their outstanding role in empowering womenfolk.
They are - Mazeda Showkat Ali, Mahfuza Khatun Baby Moudud (posthumously), Suriya Rahman, Shova Rani Tripura and Masuda Faroque Ratna.
Last year the prime minister announced giving Rokeya Padak to more women from this year saying many women, who are silently working in rural areas with very limited facilities for women's awakening and development, would be given the award.
So far, 46 women were adorned with the prestigious award that was introduced in 1995.
Sheikh Hasina said her government was trying to impart education and necessary training to the country's women to make them independent financially for their social empowerment.
"Women have to stand on their own feet to attain their emancipation. So the government has been giving emphasis on providing multiple supports to help them attain economic freedom so that they can contribute to their family and country," she added.
Thursday, June 04, 2026
