This year’s awardees include Rubhana Rakib, recognised in the category of women’s education (research), and Kalpana Akter, a prominent labour rights organiser, who was awarded in the women’s rights (labour) category.
Nabila Idris, known for her activism on human rights issues, received the honour in the human rights category. Ritu Porna Chakma, a member of the Bangladesh Women’s National Football Team, was awarded in the category of women’s awakening (sports).
Yunus presented the medals and certificates at a formal ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital in the morning.
The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs hosted the programme to observe Begum Rokeya Day 2025, which commemorates the 145th birth and 93rd death anniversary of Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain – the pioneering writer, reformer and advocate for women’s advancement.
Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid presided over the event. Several advisers of the interim government, dignitaries, and family members of the award recipients were also in attendance. Mamtaz Ahmed, Senior Secretary of the ministry, delivered the welcome remarks.
As part of the celebration, a cultural segment was arranged, featuring a documentary titled Ami-e Rokeya, which highlighted Begum Rokeya’s lifelong struggle for women’s education, her resistance to social injustices, and her fight against child marriage.
The programme also underscored Rokeya’s enduring influence in shaping women’s empowerment in Bangladesh and reiterated that education remains central to achieving gender equality.
