National Prosperity Impossible Without Women’s Inclusion, Says President
Speaking at a special ceremony at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium, the President highlighted the "Family Card" initiative as a landmark step toward empowering economically disadvantaged women. He urged the younger generation to embrace equality and called for collective action to safeguard women's rights across the nation.
Key Highlights of the Event:
Posthumous Honor for Khaleda Zia: In a deeply symbolic moment, the late former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia was posthumously awarded the "Best Indomitable Woman in Advancing Democracy" (Ganatantra er Ogrojatray Sreshtho Odommo Nari). Her granddaughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman, accepted the award on her behalf from the President.
Education Expansion: President Shahabuddin recalled the pioneering contributions of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia in promoting female education. He announced that the current government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman plans to implement free education for women up to the postgraduate level, building on the legacy of making education free up to grade 12.
The "Family Card" Program: The President expressed optimism that the Family Card, which primarily designates the female head of a household as the beneficiary, will foster financial self-reliance for low-income families and reduce economic inequality.
Honoring Grassroots Leaders: Alongside the posthumous award, five other women—Nurun Nahar Akter, Bobita Khatun, Nurbanu Kabir, Shamla Begum, and Afroza Yasmin—were recognized as "Best Indomitable Women" for their achievements in fields ranging from economic success to social development.
Minister for Women and Children Affairs, Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, also spoke at the event, reaffirming the government's inclusive democratic philosophy. He noted that the revolutionary changes in women's education started by Khaleda Zia remain the foundation for current national progress. The event, attended by over a thousand women, served as a powerful celebration of the role women play in the "New Bangladesh."
