Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus paid tribute on Saturday to the memory of Begum Rokeya, a pioneer of Bengali women's education and a social reformer who worked to ensure equal rights for women and men.
This tribute marked the occasion of Begum Rokeya Day, which will be observed on Sunday.
"The contribution of the great Begum Rokeya, a pioneer of women's awakening, an educator, a writer, and a social reformer, is unforgettable. Like every year, Begum Rokeya Day is being celebrated this year as well. I pay my deepest respects to her memory," he said in a message on the eve of Begum Rokeya Day and the ceremony of the "Begum Rokeya Padak."
Confined within the constraints of the superstitious society of the 19th century, Begum Rokeya dreamed of educating and developing women alongside men through her powerful writing, he said.
"Today, in the 21st century, we see the realization of her dream," he added.
In this context, the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs is implementing various programs, he said, adding that essential support is being provided to develop women as entrepreneurs through training.
Safe housing is being provided to working women through the establishment of working hostels, Dr Yunus said, also highlighting efforts to prevent child marriage among adolescents.
Various programs and projects are being carried out, including the Women and Children Repression Prevention Cell, Prevention of Women Trafficking, One Stop Crisis Center, National Helpline Center (109), and National Trauma Counseling Center, he added.
The chief adviser sincerely congratulated the recipients of the "Begum Rokeya Award" for their dedication and contributions to women's development, inspired by the works and ideals of Begum Rokeya.
He expressed hope that women will work to improve the condition and status of disadvantaged, oppressed, and helpless women in society from their respective positions and help realize Begum Rokeya's dream.
He wished the "Begum Rokeya Day-2024" and "Begum Rokeya Padak-2024" event much success.
