BNP leader Selima Rahman praises Ziaur Rahman’s legacy, highlights women’s empowerment and education initiatives. Photo : BSS

BOGURA, Nov 23, 2025 (BSS) - BNP Standing Committee member and convener of the Women and Children's Rights Forum Begum Selima Rahman said that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman laid the foundation for women's empowerment in Bangladesh by elevating it to a state-level policy.

Addressing a large women's rally at Narhatta Multipurpose High School grounds in Kahalu upazila on Saturday afternoon, Selima Rahman said Ziaur Rahman's visionary leadership enabled women to move forward in society. 

She added that former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia further strengthened this progress by introducing scholarships to widen girls' access to education.

The rally, organized by the Central Women and Children's Rights Forum, drew an attendance of nearly five thousand women, filling the venue to capacity.

Highlighting BNP's women-focused policies, Selima Rahman said Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has announced a comprehensive plan aimed at women's safety, empowerment, prevention of online harassment and ensuring legal support. 

She added that a proposed family card system would allow households to buy essential items such as rice, pulses, oil and salt at fair prices.

Criticizing the current government, the BNP leader alleged that people have been denied real voting rights for the past seventeen years. 

She claimed that Khaleda Zia was imprisoned in a 'false case' due to her commitment to restoring democracy, but the public is now 'awake' and the movement for democracy 'will no longer stop.'

Recalling Bogura's historical importance, Selima Rahman noted that Ziaur Rahman was born in the district, which still reflects the spirit of independence and the enduring legacy of fostering multi-party democracy.

District BNP Acting General Secretary and former MP Mosharraf Hossain also addressed the rally. Advocate Nipun Roy Chowdhury, Member Secretary of the Women and Children's Rights Forum, conducted the program.