Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain today addressed a national seminar on women's economic empowerment in Bangladesh. Photo : PID

DHAKA, Aug 11, 2026 (BSS) - Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain today said the government's primary goal is to build an inclusive and humane society where no one is left behind.

"The government is issuing Family Cards directly in women's names to further strengthen women's inclusion in society," he said while addressing a national seminar on women's economic empowerment in Bangladesh as the chief guest.

The Centre for Women and Children Studies (CWCS) organised the seminar at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka.

Highlighting government initiatives for women's advancement, Zahid said Begum Khaleda Zia had introduced tuition-free education and stipends for female students, which significantly increased women's participation in the workforce.

He said Khaleda Zia was also the first in the country to establish daycare centres to help working women balance their professional and family responsibilities. The current government, he added, is taking steps to modernise and expand those facilities.

Describing education as the foundation of employment, Zahid said proper education and skills training would enable women not only to create jobs for themselves but also to generate employment opportunities for others.

Speakers at the seminar called for stronger measures to protect women's health, prevent child marriage and ensure workplace safety. They also stressed the need for collateral-free loans for women, removal of barriers to entrepreneurship, greater access to income-generating activities and increased participation in decision-making.

Dhaka Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Naaz Farhana presided over the seminar.