POBNEWS24, Desk report, Dec 9, 2021: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Begum Rokeya was a pioneer in the spread of Bengali women’s education and women’s awakening. She was a far-sighted modern woman. He realized that for the overall development of the society and the state, it was necessary to equip men as well as women through formal education. This realization and ideal of his still inspires us today.
He said this in a message on the occasion of Begum Rokeya Day on Thursday (December 9).
The Prime Minister said, “On the occasion of Begum Rokeya Day, I pay my deep respects to the memory of Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain.” Begum Rokeya’s contribution to the spread of women’s education will always be remembered. I sincerely congratulate those who have received ‘Begum Rokeya Padak’ this year.
Mentioning that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a pioneer in the expansion of women’s education in Bangladesh and formation of a state based on equality between men and women, the Prime Minister said Bangabandhu believed that it was not possible to take the country forward and establish a golden Bangladesh without ensuring equal rights for women. Therefore, realizing the immense importance of equal rights, dignity, equality and freedom of women, she laid a solid foundation for the empowerment of women in the constitution. Bangabandhu made provision for reserving seats for women in the National Assembly. In 1972, he reserved a 10 percent quota for women in employment, and in his first five-year plan adopted in 1973, he adopted education, health, family planning and welfare programs for women.
The Awami League government has ensured the fundamental rights of women as well as the participation of women everywhere, said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. She said that the women of Bangladesh are now setting a shining example of dignity and ability in their respective fields and leaving a mark of success in the overall development of the country.
The Prime Minister said women’s participation in the successful implementation of Digital Bangladesh is now visible. In recognition of the advancement of women, we have achieved various international recognitions, including the UN’s ‘Planet 50-50 Champion’. We have won the ‘SDG Progress Award’ for being ahead of various indices in achieving SDGs from 2015 to 2020. So Bangladesh today is exemplary to the world in women’s development and empowerment.
