Desk Report:
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that the development of a state is sustainable only when women’s rights, education, health, security and participation are ensured.
In a message given on the occasion of ‘International Women’s Day-2026’, he said, ‘We want to build a Bangladesh where all men and women enjoy equal rights. They will work in the family, state and society with respect, dignity and security.’
He said that this year’s theme of International Women’s Day “Today’s steps, tomorrow’s justice, may the rights of women and girls be protected” is very significant. Because, sustainable development is not possible by keeping almost half of the world’s population women and their status outside the mainstream of the state, government and politics. In particular, if women’s economic empowerment is not ensured, it is not possible to achieve the benefits of overall development at home and abroad.
He said that more than half of the population in Bangladesh is women. The founder of independence, martyr President Ziaur Rahman and the Mother of Democracy Begum Khaleda Zia played an important role in their political and economic empowerment. During the reign of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman, the ‘Women’s Affairs Department’ was established in the President’s Secretariat in 1976 and the ‘Ministry of Women’s Affairs’ was formed in 1978. Later, during the reign of Begum Khaleda Zia, it was transformed into the ‘Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs’ in 1994.
Tarique Rahman further said that for the socio-economic empowerment of women, Begum Khaleda Zia had introduced free education for girls up to class 12, which was a revolutionary decision in women’s empowerment. In the same vein, the current government has introduced the ‘Family Card’ to strengthen women’s economic empowerment. The government is committed to ensuring the active and effective participation of women in all fields including education, economy, health and politics.
He also mentioned the plans to introduce free education up to postgraduate level, increase women’s participation in higher education, provide free school uniforms for girls, provide digital learning facilities and expand the modern education system as part of his election promises.
Stating that ensuring women’s safety is being given top priority, he said that the government is taking a strong stand to stop cyberbullying and online harassment against women.
He said that the goal is to build a Bangladesh where men and women enjoy equal rights and can contribute to the family, society and the state with respect, dignity and security.
The Prime Minister wished success to all the programs undertaken on the occasion of ‘International Women’s Day’.
