Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, today joined an Iftar with underprivileged women and children at the Ziaur Rahman Foundation office in Dhaka. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Feb 27, 2026 (BSS) - Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, today joined an Iftar with underprivileged women and children at the Ziaur Rahman Foundation office in the capital's Gulshan area.

More than fifty underprivileged women and children took part in the event.

Speaking as the chief guest, Dr Zubaida Rahman said women's security must receive the highest priority. She said the present government believes ensuring security and comprehensive human development of the girl child is essential.

Zubaida Rahman, who is also Vice President of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation, said a girl child should be supported through academic and vocational education so that she can become a competent citizen of the country. She added that the government is committed to keeping women at the centre of social development.

She further said secondary-level students will be taught a third language to enhance their employment prospects both at home and abroad. Besides, vocational education will be incorporated into the secondary-level curriculum, which is expected to boost employment opportunities.

Referring to garment workers, Zubaida Rahman said six months of paid maternity leave in all industries is crucial. She added that female workers also need day-care centres, safe accommodation and safe transportation facilities. "Only when a woman can go to her workplace safely can true women's empowerment be realised," she said.

Executive Director of the foundation Prof Dr Farhad Halim Donar, Director Prof Dr A B M Obaidul Islam, Advisers Barrister Nasiruddin Asim, Eng Hasinur Rahman, Director Journalist Hafiz Al Asad Saiyed Khan and other leaders of the organisation were present at the event.