Prime Minister Khaleda Zia on Thursday called for social workers, philanthropists, NGOs and other concerned quarters to supplement her government’s programmes for ensuring
social security and wellbeing of the country’s womenfolk, reports UNB.

Speaking at the Begum Rokeya Day function, the PM said that government cooperation would continue for those who will work sincerely and unselfishly for the welfare of the backward womenfolk.

“Massive participation of non-government organisations is essential alongside the government in the drive for development of women,” she said.

Listing various development and socioeconomic programmes undertaken by the government, she said elderly and widow allowances have been increased along with increasing the number of beneficiaries.

Cells have been formed in each district and upazila for prevention of women and children repression, arrangement made for rehabilitation of and medicare of acid-burnt women, and stringent laws have been made to deter women and children repression.

The Prime Minister was addressing the function organised in Osmani Memorial auditorium by Women and Children Affairs Ministry in observance of the Rokeya Day and distribution of the Begum Rokeya Padak 2004.

Begum Husna Banu Khanam, a teacher of Home Economics College, and Prof Dilara Chowdhury, a teacher of Jahangirnagar University, were awarded the Begum Rokeya Padak 2004, a national award, for their contributions to socioeconomic uplift of women, establishing women rights and spreading women education.

Prime Minister Khaleda gave way the award to the recipients at the function attended by Ministers, MPs, academics, representatives of various women organizations, professions and government officials.

The award carries a gold medal weighing 25 gram 18 karat and embossed with Begum Rokeya’s image, Tk 10,000 and a certificate.

The national reward, Rokeya Padak, was introduced by the then government of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in 1995 to recognize the contribution of women in various fields.
Women and Children Affairs Minister Khurshid Jahan Huq presided over the function.
Prime Minister Khaleda said education is essential for empowerment and economic self-reliance of women.

Recalling the invaluable contribution of Begum Rokeya to the awakening of women, Khaleda said even in a hostile situation back then, she (Rokeya) had struggled boldly for spreading women education and the message of freedom.

“This woman, born under a lucky star, will remain ever shining transcending in the domain of development of women,” she observed.

Speaking briefly on the occasion, Begum Husna Banu Khanam, who had studied in Begum Rokeya Shakhawat Memorial School, said Rokeya would remain fresh in memory of the women community of this country for the education system she introduced for girls.

Prof Dilara Chowdhury said work of the present womenfolk should be geared towards realization of the ideologies of Begum Rokeya in society.