Bangladesh is marching proficiently towards realising the conscience of Begum Rokeya through ensuring education, equal rights, dignity and socio-political empowerment of women.
The observation came today at a discussion organised on the first day of the three-day observance programs of Rokeya Day-2022 organised by the district administration at her birthplace village Pairaband in Mithapukur Upazila of Rangpur district.
Divisional Commissioner Md. Sabirul Islam inaugurated observance of the day by placing wreaths at Begum Rokeya's birthplace, hoisting the national flag and releasing pigeons in Pairaband village.
Later, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Chitralekha Nazneen and Superintendent of Police Ferdous Ali Chowdhury placed wreaths there.
Rich tributes were also paid to Begum Rokeya by placing wreaths there by leaders of Sheikh Russell Smriti Sangshad, Pairaband Government Begum Rokeya Smritee Degree College, Begum Rokeya Memorial Academy, Begum Rokeya Memorial Girls' High School, Begum Rokeya Shakhawat Sangskritik Gosthi and many other organisations.
A milad mehfil was arranged there followed by a screening of documentary films, blood donation, blood group tests, the inauguration of the traditional `Rokeya Fair' and debate completion, discussion and cultural functions.
The Divisional Commissioner inaugurated the Rokeya Fair-2022 by cutting a ribbon and visited different stalls set up on the fair premises.
President of Bangla Academy, Swadhinata and Ekushey Padak-winning writer and novelist Selina Hossain attended the discussion as the chief guest with Deputy Commissioner Dr Chitralekha Nazneen in the chair.
Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Md. Mokhlesur Rahman Akand and District Council Chairman and former District Unit Commander of Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad heroic freedom fighter Mosaddek Hossain Bablu addressed as special guests.
Mithapukur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Fatematuz Zohra delivered a welcome speech.
Former Head of the Department of Bengali of Rangpur Begum Rokeya Government College Professor Mohammad Shah Alam presented the keynote essay on "Begum Rokeya's Non-communal and Equity Thoughts" in the discussion.
High officials, academics, political leaders, local public representatives, and socio-cultural and literary personalities also spoke on the occasion.
Professor Shah Alam discussed the doctrine of Begum Rokeya in advancing the womenfolk through spreading knowledge of education to ensure their equal rights by eradicating gender disparity for attaining sustainable national advancement.
"Establishing the philosophy, ideals and teachings of Begum Rokeya can eliminate discriminatoryattitude towards women, repression and violence against them to build a peaceful society with equal rights of women," he said.
Terming Begum Rokeya as a great philosopher and idol of the womenfolk, the chief guest said Begum Rokeya's ideals are showing the right pathway to modern society, generations, politicians and policy-makers.
"Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has achieved admirable success to become a global role model in women empowerment as dreamed by Begum Rokeya on the way to accomplish sustainable development," she said.
In the evening, artists of 'Joybangla Sangskritik Jyote', 'Kholeya Ganjipur Kochikonther Asor', 'Begum Rokeya Shakhawat Sangskritik Gosthi', and 'Pairaband Begum Rokeya Smriteekendra' rendered colourful programs in the cultural function.