Online Desk:
Barrister Zaima Rahman, daughter of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, has said that the sustainable development of the country is not possible without the active participation of women in a policy dialogue titled Women in Nation Building: Policy, Possibility & the Future of Bangladesh. She said that everyone should have the sincerity to work for the country and the welfare of the people of the country.
She said this at a discussion titled “Shaping the Nation: Policy, Possibility & the Future of Bangladesh” organized at the Krishibid Institute (KIB) auditorium in Khamarbari in the capital on Sunday (January 18, 2026). This was Barrister Zaima Rahman’s first direct speech at the policy-making stage of Bangladesh.
At the beginning of her speech, thanking the organizers, Zaima Rahman said that it is normal to have different opinions, experiences and perspectives in society. But listening to and discussing each other through differences is the real beauty of democracy. She mentioned that such a discussion has been possible because everyone is thinking together for the welfare of the country.
Regarding her speech, she said that she is not someone who has all the answers or solutions to all the problems. However, if there is sincerity to do something for the society and the country from her own position, change is possible. She said that she participated in today’s discussion mainly with the mindset of listening, learning and working together in the future.
Regarding women’s development and participation, Barrister Jaima Rahman said that Bangladesh can never move forward on the path of sustainable development by leaving half of the population behind. She also commented that ensuring active and meaningful participation of women is very important for the overall progress of the country.
Economist Dr. Fahmida Khatun spoke at the event. She said that the biggest obstacle to women’s development is access to finance. Especially small women entrepreneurs face various problems in getting loans. She also mentioned that future governments need to pay special attention to this issue. She also said that after graduating from the list of least developed countries, women may face new challenges.
Social activist and entrepreneur Tamara Abed said that women should be considered as human capital rather than just a part of the population. She emphasized the need for planned policies and long-term initiatives to harness the hidden potential of women.
