Begum Rokeya University observes Rokeya Day. Photo: BSS

RANGPUR, Dec 9, 2025 (BSS) - Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) today observed Rokeya Day-2025 with great enthusiasm and various colorful daylong events on the campus.  

BRUR Vice-chancellor Professor Dr Md Showkat Ali inaugurated the observance by hoisting the national flag in front of the administrative building along with the national anthem in the morning.

Later, Bangladesh University Grants Commission (UGC) Member Professor Dr Masuma Habib inaugurated a colorful procession by releasing balloons and festoons. 

The procession ended at the university's Independence Memorial Ground after passing through Shaheed Abu Sayeed Chattar and Modern Mour. 

Invited guests, teachers, students, officers and employees of various faculties, departments, offices and residential halls of the university participated in the procession. 

A discussion was organized at the Independence Memorial Ground at 10:30 am marking the day.

UGC Member Professor Dr Masuma Habib attended the discussion as the chief guest with BRUR Vice-chancellor Professor Dr Md Showkat Ali in the chair. 

Vice-chancellor of Gopalganj University of Science and Technology Professor Dr Hossain Uddin Shekhor addressed the discussion as special guest. 

Bangla Academy Director General Professor Dr. Mohammad Azam spoke as the main discussant.  

Chief guest Professor Dr Masuma Habib said that Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain's contribution to the history of the women's movement in Bangladesh is unforgettable. 

“Following the path shown by Rokeya, the presence of female students in the country's universities has increased today. In addition, women's education has expanded in various educational institutions and remote areas,” she said. 

“Although Rokeya wrote relatively few articles, she has established herself as a very important and very individualistic essayist of an independent style in the Bengali language,” she said. 

The role of Begum Rokeya in the struggle to establish women as independent, self-educated and self-reliant people is unique. 

She hoped that Begum Rokeya University will play a strong role in awakening of women and expansion of women’s education.

Professor Dr Hossain Uddin Shekhor said that Begum Rokeya Shakhawat Hossain played a pioneering role in the widespread promotion and expansion of modern and up-to-date education in the women's community in the early 20th century. 

“Rokeya has set a bright example in presenting herself in society through her knowledge and ideals,” he said and hoped that Rokeya Day will play an even bigger role in the future to spread Rokeya's consciousness and ideals among the new generation. 

Professor Dr Md Showkat Ali said that women are contributing in various fields in continuation of the dream that Rokeya Shakhawat Hossain cherished in the spirit of women's awakening, expansion of education, human dignity, social justice and equality. 

“BRUR, established in the name of this noble woman, will play a leading role in building a developed and prosperous Bangladesh by embodying her ideals,” he said. 

The invited guests unveiled the cover of the book 'Rokeya-Paath' published on the occasion of Rokeya Day- 2025. 

Also, a milad and doa mehfil was held at the university's central mosque on the occasion of Rokeya Day at noon.