Staff Correspondent

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has extended his warmest greetings and congratulations to all women in the world, including Bangladesh and wished them continued happiness, peace and prosperity.

In a message on the eve of International Women’s Day, he said this day is a very significant one as the economic, political and social establishment of women worldwide is important.

“This day creates awareness in showing general respect and admiration for women. The importance of this day in Bangladesh is immense. Half of our population is women. Therefore, if the progress of women's society is achieved, the overall development of the nation will be possible,” he said.

Realizing this truth, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman took groundbreaking steps to ensure greater participation of women in social and state activities, he added.

In continuation of that, the government of Begum Khaleda Zia took many effective initiatives to remove the darkness of illiteracy in women's society by implementing comprehensive programmes for the socio-economic development of women in this country, he said, adding that during her rule, the primary school enrolment rate increased to 97 percent.

Girls were brought under the umbrella of scholarships and gender equality was established in schools between boys and girls, said Tarique Rahman.

He said two new cadet colleges and three polytechnic institutes were established for girls. With the help of the United States, an initiative was taken to establish the Asian University for Women in Chattogram, he said, adding that Begum Khaleda Zia’s government established a national university and an open university and approved private universities and medical colleges to encourage higher education so that the opportunities for women's participation also increased.

In order to complete literacy in the shortest possible time, a separate Primary and Mass Education wing was established under the Prime Minister's Office while primary education was made compulsory nationwide from July 1, 1993.

To make the poor people interested in education, Begum Khaleda Zia's government launched the Food for Education Programme in 1993, he said.

The BNP acting chairman said secondary education for girls in rural areas was made free of cost and a nationwide stipend programme was launched for secondary school students. As a result, women's empowerment and inclusion in the mainstream of development boosts their self-confidence, he said, adding that at the same time, they find a way to become economically self-reliant.

The progress of society and the development of the state are accelerated by women's education, training and equal opportunities to compete with men, he said.

"We have to work together to ensure the active presence of women in the changing world," he said.

Tarique Rahman said women's rights are an essential condition for global progress in peace, security, human rights and sustainable development.

Everyone must keep a vigilant eye on the fact that women do not become victims of neglect, torture and oppression, and are not deprived of their fair rights, he said.

Women's equality should now be the first agenda in the global campaign, he added.

He called upon everyone to work sincerely for the development and welfare of women's society. He wished the success of the main theme of this year's International Women's Day, "Rights, Equality, Empowerment and Development of Women and Girls".