The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed Sunday said the government wants to accelerate its ongoing efforts to pave the way for empowering women in all spheres of society to establish the rights of women.

But the country still has a long way to go to reach the goal, he observed while addressing a function at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium, organized by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs marking the Begum Rokeya Day.

Chaired by Women and Children Affairs Adviser Geeteara Safiya Chowdhury, the function was also addressed by Women and Children Affairs secretary Rokeya Sultana.

Advisers, academics, representatives of various women organizations and NGOs were present.

The head of the caretaker government distributed Begum Rokeya Padak 2007, a national award, at the function among the two women recipients for their outstanding contributions to women education and women development. Prof. Latifa Akand and Prof. Dr. Hosne Ara Begum received the national award this year, which carries a gold medal and certificate.

Prof. Latifa Akand, now 82 years old but still strong both physically and mentally, is chairman of the Board of Directors of Democracy Watch, Bangladesh and vice president of 'Nijera Kori', a voluntary organization.

Dr Hosne Ara Begum founded Thengamara Mohila Sabuj Sangha (TMSS) in 1980 and since then his organisation is playing an important role in the empowerment of poor rural women through various women development programmes. Presently, the number of beneficiaries from TMSS is 20 lakh.

Speaking as chief guest at the function, the Chief Adviser urged the womenfolk to be inspired by Begum Rokeya's ideals and spread her thoughts to even the remotest areas of the country to pave the way for women empowerment.

He mentioned that on gender issue Begum Rokeya as a social reformer specifically stated that interests of men and women are no different as women and men are like two eyes of the society.

"This statement of Begum Rokeya did not harbour any anti-male attitude, rather laid importance on complementary relation between men and women, now reflected in the gender-mainstream idea of the international arena," he told the function.

Dr Fakhruddin said the call of Begum Rokeya for the women to become self-reliant did not go in vain. "Imbued with her spirit, ideal and appeal, the women of this country are marching ahead… Today, gender-friendly budget has become essential precondition also in development planning of Bangladesh."

He said participation of women is now increasing in all areas of the society including as public representatives and in military and civil administration, judiciary, and trade and commerce. The women have proved their worth in all challenging professions.

Recalling Begum Rokeya's struggle against repression on women in her times, he said unfortunately such situation still prevails in some places. Putting an end to this is now very urgent.

Mentioning various ongoing programmes taken by different Ministries in the light of Millennium Development Goals and National Strategy Paper for Poverty Reduction, the Chief Adviser said these would make the path of national socioeconomic development smooth and sustainable.

Later, the Chief Adviser and his wife, Neena Ahmed, witnessed a musical drama, based on the life of Begum Rokeya, which was presented by children.