The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Rangpur

Speakers at a discussion on Rokeya Day here on Sunday called for proper implementation of the ideals and philosophy of Begum Rokeya to establish equal rights of women.

Describing Begum Rokeya as a great philosopher and pioneer of women renaissance, they said that sustainable progress could not be achieved by keeping the womenfolk, constituting half of the population, behind the mainstream development process.

They said this while addressing a discussion meeting organised by Begum Rokeya Forum (BRF) on the occasion of various programmes chalked out in observance of the Rokeya Day on the Central Shaheed Minar premises in the city.

The programmes included drawing competitions, recitation of poems, quiz competitions, cultural functions and distribution of medals among two women Ranjina Saber and Hamida Sarker (posthumously) for their huge social contributions.

Chaired by president of BRF Begum Marhamatun Nesa, the discussion meeting was attended by Principal of Rangpur Government College Prof Sanjib Chowdhury and director of RDRS Imrul Kayes as the guests of honour.

Vice President of BRF Advocate MA Basher Tipu, its secretary A A Alamin, Programme manager of RRS Sabina Yasmin, members of BRF Mokhlesur Rahman and Prof Shamshad Begum Guinea also addressed.

The speakers recalled with great respect the outstanding contribution of Begum Rokeya to the field of women education, establishing women's rights and empowerment of women in the conservative society during the British rule. They said Begum Rokeya was the first woman in this region to realise that without ensuring light of education and rights of women, a society cannot achieve sustainable development, democracy and civilised status.

The speakers also called for making Pairaband a national and international-level centre with establishing a women's cadet college and a university after the name of Begum Rokeya to pay due homage to the memory of this great woman.

They also recalled with great respect Begum Rokeya's life-long contribution in women's education and her relentless efforts to place them in a dignified position in society.

Later, the guests distributed medals among two successful women. Prizes among the winners were also distributed among the winners of the competitions.