Chief Adviser presents Rokeya Padak to four women

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday presented the Begum Rokeya Padak 2025 to four distinguished women in recognition of their contributions to women's education, rights, human rights, and women's empowerment.

Dr Rubhana Rakib, a physician, received the award in the category of women's education (research), while Kalpana Akter, a labour leader, was honoured in the category of women's rights (labour). Dr Nabila Idris, a rights activist, received the award in the human rights category, and Ritu Porna Chakma, a member of the Bangladesh Women's National Football Team, won in the category of women's awakening (sports).

The Chief Adviser handed over the awards at a gala event at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs organized the function to mark Begum Rokeya Day 2025, commemorating the 145th birth anniversary and 93rd death anniversary of Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, a pioneering advocate for women's education and rights.

Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid chaired the event. Other advisers of the interim government, distinguished personalities, and family members of the awardees were also present. Senior Secretary of the Women and Children Affairs Ministry, Mamtaz Ahmed, delivered the welcome address.

A cultural programme, including the screening of the documentary Ami-e Rokeya, highlighted Begum Rokeya's contributions to women's education and the fight against child marriage. The event also showcased her role in inspiring women and advancing women's empowerment in the country, emphasizing education as the key to establishing women's rights.