DHAKA, Dec 7, 2023 (BSS) – Five eminent women will receive Begum Rokeya Padak 2023 in recognition of their contribution to women empowerment in the country.   

They are first woman vice chancellor of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) Professor Khaleda Ekram (posthumous) of Dhaka for women education, Dr. Halida Hanum Akhter of Rangpur for establishing women's rights, Kamrunnesa Ashraf Dina of Netrakona district for socio-economic development of women (posthumous), Nishat Mazumder of Lakshmipur district for contributing to awakening of women and Ronita Bala of Thakurgaon for rural development.

Announcing the names of Begum Rokeya Padak awardees at a press conference today State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Fazilatun Nessa Indira said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will adorn them with the award at a function to be held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium here on December 9.
 
She said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman ensured women's rights in the country`s constitution in 1972.

Bangabandhu formed a women rehabilitation board and had given dignity to the women, she added.  

The present government under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina acknowledged the Birangona women, who were tortured by Pakistan occupation army in 1971, as valiant freedom fighters, she added.

The state minister also said her ministry is providing trainings on 35 different trades to 7 lakh women.

Women and Children Affairs Ministry Secretary Nazma Mobarek, Department of Women Affairs Director General (DG) Farida Parvin and additional secretary Md Mahibuzzaman and Principal Information Officer Md. Shahinoor Miah, were present, among others, at the press conference.