Dhaka – The nation will observe Begum Rokeya Day on Friday, marking the 136th birth and 84th death anniversary of the pioneer of awakening women’s rights in the subcontinent.
Women and Children Affairs Ministry and various other socio-cultural and political organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes to mark the day.
The programmes include milad mahfil, placing wreaths on her portraits, discussions, rally and cultural functions.
Begum Rokeya Shakhawat Hossain was born on December 9, 1880 at Pairaband village in Rangpur, and she passed away on December 9, 1932 in Kolkata.
President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia issued separate messages paying rich tributes to Begum Rokeya on the occasion.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to be present at a programme on the day and hand over Rokeya Padak-2016 at Osmani Memorial auditorium in the city at 10am on Friday.
In his message, the President said Begum Rokeya’s ideals and activities will inspire all to build a society based on equity and free from gender disparity.
He congratulated those who are going to receive the Rokeya Padak-2016 for their contributions to women development.
The Prime Minister, in her message, said Begum Rokeya played a leading role in spreading the light of education among the women overcoming different obstacles.
“She showed the underprivileged women the path of light through establishing educational institutions and social work,” she observed.
Khaleda Zia called upon all irrespective of their gender identity to come forward with strong steps to implement Begum Rokeya’s dream removing the current anarchy and exploitation from society. -UNB
