Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said his government is giving top priority to ensuring women’s safety and will take a strict stance against cyber-bullying and online harassment targeting women.
“We want to build a Bangladesh where men and women enjoy equal rights. Women will work in the family, state and society with respect, dignity and security,” he said in a message marking International Women’s Day to be observed on Sunday.
The prime minister said the government is committed to ensuring women’s active and effective participation at all levels, including education, economy, health and politics.
The day is being observed this year with the theme “Today’s Action, Tomorrow’s Justice: Protect the Rights of Women and Girls”.
It commemorates women’s struggle for equality and liberation and highlights issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights and violence and abuse against women.
In the message, the prime minister said sustainable development depends on women’s rights, education, health, security and participation in nation-building activities.
Tarique Rahman said development of the country is not possible if women remain outside the mainstream of the state, government and politics.
Referring to the launch of the ‘Family Card’ for women’s economic empowerment, he said the government is committed to ensuring women’s rights and participation at all national levels.
“Our goal is to introduce free education up to postgraduate level for women, increase their participation in higher education, provide free school uniforms for girls, expand digital learning facilities and modernise the education system as part of implementing the government’s electoral pledges,” he said.
Tarique Rahman said the Women’s Affairs Department was established during the regime of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman.
He said the Ministry of Women’s Affairs was formed in 1978 and was later transformed into the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs in 1994 during the government of Begum Khaleda Zia.
The prime minister also said Begum Khaleda Zia introduced free education for girls up to class 12, describing it as a major step for women’s empowerment.
He wished success for all programmes undertaken on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
