Eminent physician Dr. Zubaida Rahman today spoke as a special guest at the 'International Women's Day 2026' celebration and 'Best Indomitable Woman' award distribution ceremony in Dhaka. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Mar 8, 2026 (BSS) - Eminent physician Dr. Zubaida Rahman said BNP’s former chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia was an ‘indomitable symbol of the progress of democracy’.

Dr. Zubaida Rahman, spouse of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, made the remarks while speaking as a special guest at the 'International Women's Day 2026' celebration and 'Best Indomitable Woman' award distribution ceremony here.

Dr. Zubaida Rahman and her daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman were present as special guests on the programme.

Recalling the outstanding contribution of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman with deep respect, Dr. Zubaida highlighted his role for the establishment of multi-party democracy in the country.

Noting that the greatest strength of a person is morale, she said despite hundreds of oppressions and injustices, Khaleda Zia was uncompromising, patient and steadfast.

“Important lessons can be learned from Begum Zia's life about the determination of women and the courage of leadership,” Zubaida commented. 

She said Khaleda Zia had great feelings to the oppressed and oppressed people of the country and her strong voice was always against dictatorship and exploitation. 

Calling a guide for democracy-loving people, Dr. Zubaida said, Begum Zia is a mother, a warrior and a strong voice for justice.

“When women move forward . . . a nation moves forward,” Zubaida Rahman, the daughter-in-law of late President Ziaur Rahman, quoted a popular United Nations (UN) reference as saying.

She said that International Women's Day 2026 should be celebrated as a day of renewed commitment to establishing a society based on equality, dignity and justice.

Dr. Zubaida thanked the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs for organizing the event beautifully.

Minister for Women and Children Affairs Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, MP, presided over the event.

State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Farzana Sharmin, MP, UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liler, and Director General of the Directorate of Women Affairs Zeenat Ara also spoke.