Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University Prof. Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman called upon the students to become changemakers of the society following the ideals of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib.
He made the call during his presidential speech at the inaugural session of a two-day long International Conference on ‘Gender, Social Justice and Sustainable Development: The Asian Perspective’ on Monday (August 07).
Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Centre for Gender and Development Studies of DU organised this event at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban Auditorium of Dhaka University to mark the 93rd birth anniversary of Bangamata.
Speaker of Bangladesh National Parliament Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury addressed the event as the chief guest.
Chairman of National Human Rights Commission Dr. Kamal Uddin Ahmed addressed the inaugural session as guest of honor and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences of DU Prof. Dr. Zia Rahman addressed it as special guest. Prof. Dr. Naila Kabeer of London School of Economics, UK delivered keynote speech. Director of Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Centre for Gender and Development Studies Prof. Dr. Tania Haque gave welcome address. Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury paid glowing tribute to the memory of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib. Bangamata was the source of all encouragement and inspiration of Father of the Nation as well as an icon for women in their political empowerment, she said.
The Speaker called upon the women community to make themselves skilled human resources to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. Bangladesh has made significant progress in women empowerment under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, she mentioned.
He further said that the present government has taken various measures to ensure gender equality, social justice and women empowerment. All sorts of support and cooperation including financial assistance and training will be provided to women for bringing them under the mainstream of the development, she added.
DU VC Prof. Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman said that Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Centre for Gender and Development Studies has been established at DU to materialize the dreams and philosophy of Bangamata. This Centre will play an effective role in ensuring gender equality in the society, he hoped.
