Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has extended his heartiest greetings and congratulations to women across the globe on the occasion of International Women’s Day, observed on 8 March.
In a formal message issued Saturday, Tarique emphasised that the development of a state only becomes sustainable when the rights, education, health, security, and participation of women are guaranteed.
He noted that the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day, “Today’s action, tomorrow’s justice, secure the rights of women and girls,” carries significant weight in the current global and national context.
Highlighting that women constitute nearly half of the world’s population, he maintained that mainstream development is unattainable if women are excluded from government and politics.
He specifically pointed out that without ensuring the economic empowerment of women, the benefits of overall development cannot be realised either at home or abroad.
Historical foundations
The prime minister recalled the pioneering roles played by the Proclaimer of Independence, shaheed president Ziaur Rahman, and the “Mother of Democracy,” Begum Khaleda Zia, in the political and economic empowerment of women in Bangladesh.
He noted that during the tenure of shaheed Zia in 1976, the “Department of Women’s Affairs” was established within the President’s Secretariat, followed by the formation of the “Ministry of Women’s Affairs” in 1978.
This institution was later transformed into the “Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs” in 1994 during the administration of Begum Khaleda Zia.
Tarique further highlighted that Begum Khaleda Zia’s decision to introduce free education for girls up to the twelfth grade was a revolutionary step for the socio-economic empowerment of women in the country.
Pledges and priorities
Following this historical legacy, the current government has introduced the “Family Card” to bolster the economic standing of women.
Tarique reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring active and effective female participation across all sectors, including education, the economy, health, and politics.
As part of its electoral promises, the administration aims to introduce free education up to the postgraduate level, increase female participation in higher education, provide free school uniforms, and modernise the education system through expanded digital learning facilities.
Regarding safety, Tarique stated that the government is giving the highest priority to the security of women, maintaining a strict stance against cyberbullying and online harassment.
He concluded his message by envisioning a Bangladesh where men and women enjoy equal rights and work with honour, dignity, and security within the family, state, and society, wishing success to all programmes organised for the day.
