DHAKA, Aug 8, 2023 (BSS) - Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today distributed Bangamata Begum Fazilatun Nesa Mujib Padak-2023 to four prominent women and the national women's football team.

The premier handed over the award at a ceremony as the chief guest in city's Osmani Memorial auditorium organised by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.

The award distribution function coincided with the occasion of 93rd birth anniversary of Bangamata Begum Fazilatun Nesha Mujib, the better half of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Apart from the national women football team for sports, the four other women award recipients are- Advocate Sahara Khatun (Posthumous) in politics as well as Nasima Jaman Bobi and Anima Mukti Gomes in education, culture and sports while Dr Senjuti Saha in research.

With State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Fazilatun Nesa Indira in the chair, its Secretary Nazma Mobarek delivered the welcome address.

Dr Tania Huq, Professor at the department of Women and Gender Studies of University of Dhaka made keynote presentation based on the life and activities of Bangamata, while Jatiyo Mohila Sangstha Chairman Begum Chemon Ara Tayab took part in it as discussant.

On behalf of the award recipients, national women football team captain Sabina Khatun spoke on the occasion.

At the outset, an audio-visual documentary on the life and works of Bangamata was screened.

In order to commemorate Bangamata's contribution, maximum five women are awarded every year in recognition of their contribution to eight fields.

Earlier, the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs nominated the national women's football team and four prominent women for this year's award, recognising their contributions to the country's politics, education, culture, sports, and research.

In the function, the premier also inaugurated the financial donation and sewing machine distribution program. A total of 4,500 sewing machines are being distributed in 64 districts while Taka 2,000 is being given among 3,000 destitute women.