In a heartwarming gesture, 20 indigenous women farmers from the plains of Naogaon were honoured with a symbolic gift – a colourful clay pot filled with paddy seeds and a fruit sapling each. This unique initiative was taken by Nurul Islam, Vice-President of the BNP’s Niamatpur Upazila unit, earning praise from locals for recognising the invaluable contributions of women in agriculture.
The ceremony took place on Wednesday morning at the Lokkhidanga field, where the women were honoured as “Harvest Goddesses”. The event was marked by a rare blend of joy, surprise, and emotion, with many expressing that it was the first time their labour had been acknowledged publicly.
Suborna Murmu, one of the awardees, said, “This is the first time someone has called us by name and invited us onto a stage. I will never forget this honour.” Fellow farmers Sabitra Mardi and Mali Murmu shared similar sentiments, saying they had spent their lives in the fields planting, harvesting, and carrying crops – without ever receiving such recognition.
Nurul Islam stated, “Regardless of religion or ethnicity, these farmers are our true assets. By honouring them, we honour the nation.” He added that this initiative reflects one of the key goals of BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s 31-point outline – the development and dignity of farmers.
