RANGPUR, Dec 9, 2021 (BSS) - The ideals and conscience of Begum Rokeya shall inspire the womenfolk enduringly in ensuring their education, equal rights, dignity and empowerment to build a discrimination-free society.

   The observation came today at a discussion arranged by the district administration at Pairaband village, birthplace of Begum Rokeya in Mithapukur upazila, in observance of the Rokeya Day-2021 with limited programmes amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

   The observance began with placing of wreaths at Begum Rokeya Smritistambha in Pairaband village by Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee of the Ministry of Public Administration HN Ashiqur Rahman MP.

   Later, Deputy Commissioner Md. Asib Ahsan, Mithapukur Upazila Chairman Md Zakir Hossain Sarker and Mithapukur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Fatematuz Johra placed wreaths at Begum Rokeya Smritistambha in Pairaband village.

   The Deputy Commissioner and President of the Rokeya Day-2021 Observance Committee presided over the discussion while the UNO delivered a welcome speech.

   HN Ashiqur Rahman MP participated in the discussion as the chief guest. Pro Vice Chancellor of Begum Rokeya University Dr. Sorifa Salowa Dina took part as the keynote speaker.

   Former Head of the Department of Bengali of Rangpur Government Begum Rokeya College Professor Mohammad Shah Alam, former Regional Director of Rangpur Kendra of Bangladesh Betar Monwara Begum and President of Press Club, Rangpur Mahabub Rahman participated as discussants.

   Earlier, the district administration arranged virtual competitions marking the Rokeya Day-2021 on poem recitation, drawing and essay writing in different categories for students.

   The speakers said the principle of Rokeya has been helping the womenfolk to advance effectively in every sphere of the society ensuring their equal rights and participation in advancing the nation.

   Professor Shah Alam said Rokeya was the first woman in the then British-ruled colonial society of the subcontinent to realize the necessity of female education and equal rights of women for their real development and dignified status.

   Monwara Begum said the womenfolk have been enormously contributing to every field of development, speeding up national advancement by proving their abilities, talent, expertise and efficiency.

   Mahabub Rahman termed Rokeya as an icon of the womenfolk putting importance on spreading her ideals among the new generations to materialize her dream through ensuring modern education for women.

   The chief guest said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is working tirelessly to establish equal rights, freedom, empowerment, dignity and honor of women in every sphere of life as dreamt by the pioneer of women renaissance Begum Rokeya.

   Later, the chief guest distributed certificates among the Joyeeta women for their glorious contributions to different fields of social advancement and prizes among winners of different competitions arranged marking the day.