Religious Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain has said the nation cannot move forward by leaving women behind, adding that true progress is only possible when women advance alongside the rest of society.
He made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing the Hifzul Quran Award 2025 distribution ceremony as chief guest.
The event was organised by Nibras Madrasa at the Shaheed Abu Sayed International Convention Centre in Shahbag, Dhaka.
Highlighting the pivotal role of women in early Islamic history, Khalid said that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) brought social transformation and governance with the contributions of figures such as Hazrat Khadija (RA), Hazrat Ayesha (RA), and other female companions.
He added that women were even present on the battlefield. “If we can help our mothers, sisters, and daughters become Hafizas, Alimas, Muhaddisas, doctors, technologists, and scientists, they will play important roles across society and the state,” he said.
Khalid said the nation should aspire to a future free from division, where people advance together. He expressed hope that Nibras Madrasa would play a key role in realising the vision of a welfare state based on Islamic ideals.
Calling for mutual respect, he stated, “If I do not respect others, I cannot expect respect in return. If I throw a pebble, I must be prepared to receive a stone.”
He urged people to refrain from gossip, backbiting, and slander, and called for unity under the banner of Kalema Tayyaba, rising above minor differences.
The programme was presided over by Principal Maulana Muhammad Zainul Abedin, chairman of the Nibras Madrasa Managing Committee. The keynote address was delivered by Allama Syed Anwar Hossain Taher Ahmad Zaberi Al-Madani, Khatib of Andarkilla Shahi Jame Mosque.
Special guests included Muhammad Muniruzzaman Bhuiyan, joint secretary of the Technical and Madrasa Education Division; Professor Miah Md Nurul Haq, chairman of the Bangladesh Madrasa Education Board; Sheikhul Qura Hafez Qari Abdul Haq, chairman of Huffazul Quran Foundation Bangladesh; and Maulana Shah Mohammad Wali Ullah, Secretary General of Nibras Foundation Bangladesh.
Later, the adviser presented crests to the Hafizul Quran awardees of Nibaras Madrasa. This year, 167 students received the award, including 132 boys and 35 girls.
