The ‘Begum Rokeya Medal 2025’ winners were felicitated by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. This year’s Rokeya Medalists Rubhana Rakib, Nabila Idris, Kalpana Akhter and Rituparna Chakma were present at the State Guest House Jamuna on Saturday (13 December 2025) evening.
At the beginning, the Rokeya Medalists expressed deep concern over the attack on Osman Hadi, one of the leaders of the July mass uprising, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha and potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency. They requested the government to take strict action against the incident. The medalists said that they were happy with the reception, but they are upset after the recent incident. At the same time, they advised to strengthen unity between political parties and the people in view of the country’s elections.
The Chief Advisor said, “This attack was premeditated. I am in regular contact with the family and am looking into Hadi’s treatment. I have also spoken to the political parties, and they are also helping.”
The Chief Advisor inquired about the workplace and ongoing work of each Rokeya Medalist. Kalpana Akhter, who received the medal in the Women’s Rights (Labor Rights) category, specially thanked the Chief Advisor for amending the Labor Law and signing the International Labor Convention. She said, “Amending the Labor Law and the Convention—these are two historic steps. Thank you for implementing them in such a short time.” She also highlighted the harassment through lawsuits during the previous government and praised the initiatives of the interim government.
The Chief Advisor called Kalpana Akhter a strong woman and said, “She always speaks fairly and is respected around the world.” She also discussed the wages, working conditions, and implementation of labor laws for workers.
Researcher Dr. The Chief Advisor inquired about the overall situation of the ICDDRB from Rubhana Rakib. She said that the ICDDRB and the Rohingyas have been the most affected by the decrease in foreign aid and the government is continuously discussing this issue.
The Chief Advisor inquired about the accommodation, training facilities, arrival of new players and performance of the women’s football team from footballer Rituparna Chakma. She said, “Everyone in the country loves the women’s football team. Honoring you means inspiring your followers as well.”
Praising Nabila Idris, who received the Rokeya Medal in the human rights category, the Chief Advisor said, “You are praised for your determination from the beginning. You have made many people aware of human rights.” Nabila Idris thanked the Chief Advisor for starting the trial process of the disappearance and referred to it as a historic development.
Principal Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus Rokeya presented the four awardees with his book ‘Beltoil Gram Jarimon, O Ananara’, on the economic struggle and livelihood of rural women.
Advisor to the Ministry of Women and Children Sharmin S. Murshid, Chief Coordinator for SDGs Lamia Morshed and Senior Secretary to the Ministry of Women and Children Momtaz Ahmed were present at the event.
