Bangladesh PM Hasina Honours Begum Rokeya & Empowers Women

By: WE Staff | Monday, 11 December 2023

During a ceremony marking Begum Rokeya Shakhawat Hossain's 143rd birth and 91st death anniversaries, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina underscored her government's commitment to women's empowerment and equal rights. Begum Rokeya, a pioneer in Bangalee women's education and social transformation, was honoured at the ceremony organized by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.

Prime Minister Hasina, who addressed the gathering as the primary guest, emphasized that her administration had taken extensive initiatives to empower women across several sectors, emphasizing the importance of economic stability. "Women do not lag behind in any sector because of my government's initiatives," she asserted boldly.

The Prime Minister noted that Begum Rokeya's vision of women becoming judges and barristers has come true, with women now embracing opportunities in a range of fields. Sheikh Hasina remembered historical milestones such as the elimination of statutory barriers to women becoming judges and the appointment of Nazmun Ara Sultana, the first female lower court judge.

During the event, five well-known ladies were awarded the "Begum Rokeya Padak-2023" for their remarkable contributions. Among those recognized were Professor Khaleda Ekram (posthumous) for women's education, Dr. Halida Hanum Akhter for reproductive health activism, and Ronita Bala for rural development.

The Prime Minister concluded by requesting the audience to pray for her daughter, Saima Wazed Putul, whose birthday coincided with the occasion. Each recipient received a gold medal, a certificate, and a monetary reward of Tk 4 lakh.