Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday called for building a new Bangladesh with active participation of women, inspired by the legacy of Begum Rokeya, the pioneering advocate of women’s rights and education.
He also said that Begum Rokeya’s contributions have often been confined to literature and urged society to actively empower women across all sectors. “Let the new Bangladesh be built with their enthusiasm,” he added.
He was delivering his speech at a programme at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium where he handed over the Begum Rokeya Padak 2025 to the award recipients and highlighted the role of women in shaping the nation’s future.
Terming the Begum Rokeya Padak as an epoch-making award, the chief adviser said the recipients have taken Bangladesh to a new height globally and are capable of leading not only the country but also making a mark on the world stage.
The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs organised the event in observance of Begum Rokeya Day 2025, marking her 145th birth anniversary and 93rd death anniversary.
Chief Adviser Yunus highlighted the increasing participation of women in education and other sectors, calling for equal opportunities across the board.
He also praised the role of women and girls during the 2024 July Uprising that toppled the fascist regime and stressed the need to leave space for young women to lead the nation.
“This event should not only commemorate Begum Rokeya but also examine our shortcomings. Even after 100 years, we have not been able to create another Rokeya. We have talked much but moved little. We must understand why,” he said.
Yunus also reflected on his early career during the 1974 famine while teaching at Chittagong University and initiating the Grameen Bank, noting the struggles of women in Jobra village, where women lacked self-identity and were known only as “wife of” “daughter of” or “mother of”.
He shared how they gave each woman a name, introduced literacy programmes, and included them in microcredit schemes, alongside launching campaigns against the dowry system continuing the work Begum Rokeya began a century earlier.
“Begum Rokeya’s thoughts are revolutionary. Following her guidance in our daily lives will give true meaning to her legacy,” the chief adviser said.
In a symbolic move to reflect greater recognition of women, he announced the renaming of the ministry to “Nari O Shishu Mantranalay” from “Mohila O Shishu Mantranalay”.
