Staff Reporter:
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Saturday evening hosted a reception for the recipients of the Begum Rokeya Award 2025 at the state guesthouse Jamuna in the capital.
The awardees present at the event were Rubhana Rakib, Nabila Idris, Kalpana Akter, and Rituparna Chakma.
At the outset, the Begum Rokeya Award recipients expressed deep concern over the recent attack on Osman Hadi—one of the leaders of the July mass uprising, spokesperson of the Inqilab Moncho, and a prospective independent candidate from the Dhaka-8 constituency.
They urged the government to take strong action against those responsible.
“We were excited to receive this honour from you. But after Friday’s incident, we are deeply shaken,” the awardees said.
They also advised the chief adviser to work towards strengthening unity among political parties and the general public ahead of the elections.
Responding to their concerns, Prof Yunus said the attack had been carried out in a premeditated manner.
He said he was maintaining regular contact with Hadi’s family and was closely monitoring his medical treatment.
He added that he had also spoken with political parties, who were extending their cooperation.
During the reception, the chief adviser inquired about the professional work and activities of each award recipient.
Kalpana Akter, who received the Begum Rokeya Award in the women’s rights (labour rights) category, thanked the chief adviser for amending labour laws and signing international labour conventions, describing them as historic steps taken within a short period.
She said that during the previous government she had been harassed through legal cases, with 14 cases filed against her, including what she described as baseless allegations such as being accused of stealing glasses from Navana Tower in Gulshan.
“No one previously imagined that someone working in trade unions and labour rights would receive the Begum Rokeya Award,” she said, thanking the interim government for the recognition.
In response, Professor Yunus described Kalpana as a strong woman who consistently speaks up for justice and is respected globally.
He said that following the Rana Plaza tragedy, many necessary reforms had not been implemented, and that labour rights and conventions had been among his priorities.
He added that he was trying to do as much as possible within his limited time.
The chief adviser also discussed issues such as workers’ wages, working conditions, and the implementation of labour laws with Kalpana Akter.
Prof Yunus inquired about the overall situation of the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) while speaking with researcher Dr Rubhana Rakib.
He said that icddr,b and Rohingya refugees had been among the most affected after the suspension of foreign aid, adding that the government was continuing discussions on the matter.
He also sought updates from footballer Rituparna Chakma regarding the women’s national football team, asking about accommodation, food, training facilities, the induction of new players, and their performance.
“The entire country admires you and the women’s football team. Many children follow you. We are delighted to honour you. Honouring you also means inspiring those who look up to you, and we want our children to be even more motivated,” the chief adviser said.
Praising human rights activist Nabila Idris, who received the Begum Rokeya Award in the human rights category, Prof Yunus said she had been admired for her determination from the beginning, had instilled courage among people, and had raised awareness about human rights issues.
He expressed hope that her struggle would continue in the days ahead.
Nabila Idris thanked the chief adviser for initiating trials over enforced disappearances, calling the progress historic.
“Without you, we would not have seen justice for enforced disappearances and the July mass killings,” she said.
At the event, Prof Yunus presented each of the four award recipients with his own book, “Jorimin of Beltail Village, and Others,” which focuses on the economic struggles and livelihoods of rural women.
Also present at the reception were Adviser to the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Sharmeen S Murshid, SDG Affairs Chief Coordinator Lamia Morshed, and Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Momtaz Ahmed.
