Staff Reporter:
President Mohammed Shahabuddin yesterday stressed on ensuring women’s safety both at home and outside the home to fully realise the benefits of policies adopted for women’s development and prosperi-ty.
“Let yesterday’s pledge be that women and girls will no longer be victims of neglect, violence and dis-crimination, and that they will enjoy equal opportunities and dignity everywhere,” he said.
The President was addressing the International Women’s Day–2026 celebration and the Best Indomitable Women Award ceremony at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium here.
Expressing his commitment to building a liveable Bangladesh, the President said he envisioned a country where every woman grows up in a safe environment, becomes self-reliant and takes leadership roles, and where every girl has the opportunity to dream and fulfil her aspirations.
Eminent physician and social worker Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and their only daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman attended the program as special guests.
Late Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was honored with the “Best Indomitable Woman in Advancing Democracy” award. UK-trained lawyer Barrister Zaima Rahman received the award on behalf of her grandmother.
On the occasion, the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs also presented awards to five other wom-en in five different categories for their resilience and achievements.
Minister for Women and Children Affairs Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, MP, chaired the event.
State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Farzana Sharmin, MP; UNDP Bangladesh Resident Rep-resentative Stefan Liller; and Director General of the Directorate of Women Affairs Zeenat Ara also spoke.
The President later joined a photo session with the award recipients.
