International Women's Day was observed in Rajshahi today. Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, March 8, 2026 (BSS) - International Women's Day was observed in Rajshahi today with a call for ensuring greater participation of women in all sectors to accelerate national development.

To mark the day, Paba Upazila administration and the Upazila Women Affairs Office organized an event at the auditorium of Paba Upazila Parishad this morning. Acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Sabuj Islam chaired the programme.

Addressing the event as chief guest, Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon, MP said the country's overall progress is closely linked with the empowerment and advancement of women, who constitute nearly half of the population. Sustainable national development cannot be achieved without ensuring women's development and participation in every sector. 

He noted that the struggle for women's rights and recognition has a long history and urged families and society to encourage women to move forward in education, employment and leadership.

Referring to the reform proposals of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), he said the party's 31-point state reform plan includes measures aimed at promoting women's development and empowerment.

Recalling initiatives taken during the tenure of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, he said the BNP government introduced free education for girls up to the higher secondary level and established the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs in 1994 to strengthen women's welfare and social protection.

He also said the party is planning to introduce family cards for women, special bus services for women and free education for female students up to the postgraduate level.

Among others, Upazila Engineer Mokbul Hossain, Officer-in-Charge of Airport Police Station Masuma Mostari, Officer-in-Charge of Shah Makhdum Police Station Faruk Hossain, Paba Upazila BNP Convener Ali Hossain and Member Secretary Abdur Razzaque spoke at the event.

Earlier, a colorful rally was brought out from the Upazila Parishad premises ahead of the discussion meeting under the theme "Today's Steps for Securing Justice for Women and Girls."