Photo : BSS

RANGPUR, March 8, 2025 (BSS) - Officials and development specialists at a discussion here 
today said that a society based on equality between women and men is crucial for the permanent 
and sustainable progress of the country.
 
The district administration and Department of Women's Affairs (DWA) jointly organised the 
discussion at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference room in observance of the 'International 
Women's Day-2025'. 
 
Divisional Commissioner Md. Shahidul Islam was present as the chief guest at the discussion 
presided over by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rabiul Faisal. 
 
The Rangpur Range DIG of Bangladesh Police Md. Aminul Islam, Rangpur Metropolitan Police 
Commissioner Md. Majid Ali, Rangpur Superintendent of Police Abu Md. Saim and Rangpur 
District Women's Affairs Department Deputy Director Md. Selwara Begum spoke as special 
guests.
 
The chief guest said that women have always been an important part of society and have been 
making an important contribution to nation building activities with changing times. 
 
“Women are making amazing contributions to the economy of Bangladesh. The country's ready-
made garment industry earns a large portion of foreign exchange and the role of women in this 
ready-made garment industry is immense,” he said.
 
Women's participation is widespread not only in the ready-made garment sector, but also in other 
sectors and it is continuously increasing. 
 
“For this reason, the government has taken various initiatives for the development of women for 
the balanced and sustainable development of the country,” he said. 
 
Regarding women's empowerment, he said, there is no alternative to women's education in 
women's empowerment. Educated women get the opportunity to make their own life-
determining decisions by solving various problems in society. 
 
He said, “Women's empowerment helps women develop their own values,” he said, adding that 
developing women's latent talents will improve the socio-economic condition of the country.
 
Terming violence against women as a heinous act, he said it is imperative to properly implement 
the laws enacted by the government to stop violence against women in society. 
 
Representatives from BRAC, RDRS Bangladesh's Janani Project, ADAB, TIB (SANAK), Devi 
Chowdhurani Rural Development Center, ESDO, SEED, Community Eye Care Research Center, 
Naba Prabhat Foundation, Jatiya Mahila Sangstha, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, Nagorik Udyog, 
Swarna Nari Association, BRAC and voluntary women's organizations expressed their views on 
women's empowerment, equal rights, prevention of child marriage, prevention of rape. 
 
Later, the chief guest distributed sewing machines to 10 women trained in dressmaking and 
tailoring trades under the initiative of the DWA.