PM Sheikh Hasina Urges Women’s Equal Contribution for Bangladesh’s Progress

March 8, 2024 12:45 pm

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina delivered an inspiring message, urging women in Bangladesh to actively contribute to the nation’s development alongside their male counterparts. The Prime Minister made these remarks during a discussion and the Joyeeta Award-giving ceremony organized by the Women and Children Affairs Ministry at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka.

“Today, if we have to progress economically, men and women can build a country equally with their work,” stated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Emphasizing the pivotal role women play in societal development, she urged them to come forward and actively engage, underscoring that a society cannot truly advance without the full participation of women.

Addressing the gathering, Sheikh Hasina highlighted the importance of collaboration between men and women, stating, “We can move forward only if women and men work together. Today, we are moving forward because we have ensured [women’s participation] this.” She expressed optimism that the women of Bangladesh would never be left behind and underscored the need for women to actively participate in the development journey of the country.

The Prime Minister recalled the visionary efforts of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in ensuring constitutional rights for women. Sheikh Hasina noted that the Awami League, her political party, is the only party in the country that explicitly mentions equal rights for men and women in its charter and election manifesto. She emphasized that these principles are not just rhetorical but have been demonstrated through actions when the Awami League came to power.

Citing statistics indicating a 43 percent participation of women in labor, Sheikh Hasina acknowledged the often-unrecognized extra work performed by working women after returning home. She urged women to take advantage of the opportunities created by her government, emphasizing their crucial role in the journey towards building a Smart Bangladesh by 2041.

During the ceremony, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina conferred the “Best Joyeeta Award-2023” at the national level to five exceptional women who have achieved outstanding success in various fields by overcoming challenges. The “Joyeeta” award symbolizes the triumph of indomitable women who reach the peak of success through resilience and determination.