Dhaka, Mar 8 (V7N) – Extending greetings and congratulations to women around the world on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said that sustainable national development is possible only when women’s rights, education, health, security, and participation are ensured.

In a message marking the day, the prime minister said this year’s theme—“Today’s steps, tomorrow’s justice: May the rights of women and girls be protected”—is particularly significant in promoting gender equality.

Rahman noted that women make up nearly half of the world’s population, and meaningful development cannot be achieved if they remain outside the mainstream of state affairs, governance, and politics. He emphasized that economic empowerment of women is essential for ensuring the overall benefits of national development.

The prime minister highlighted the role of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in advancing women’s political and economic empowerment in Bangladesh. He said the Office of Women’s Affairs was established in the President’s Secretariat in 1976 during Ziaur Rahman’s tenure, followed by the creation of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs in 1978, which was later transformed into the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs in 1994 under Khaleda Zia’s leadership.

Rahman also mentioned that free education for girls up to class 12, introduced during Khaleda Zia’s administration, was a landmark step toward women’s empowerment. Continuing this effort, the current government has launched the “Family Card” initiative to support women’s economic empowerment and is working to ensure women’s participation in education, the economy, healthcare, and politics.

According to the message, the government plans to introduce free education up to postgraduate level, expand digital learning opportunities, provide free school uniforms for girls, and increase women’s participation in higher education as part of its election commitments.

The prime minister added that the government is giving top priority to women’s safety, taking a strict stance against cyberbullying and online harassment targeting women.

Rahman reiterated that the BNP aims to build a Bangladesh where men and women enjoy equal rights, and he wished success for all programs organized to mark International Women’s Day.

END/SMA/AJ