DHAKA, Dec 8, 2024 (BSS)- Chief Adviser (CA) Professor Muhammad Yunus today paid rich tributes to the memory of Begum Rokeya, a pioneer of Bengali women's education and a social reformer for ensuring equal rights for women and men, marking the Begum Rokeya Day to be observed tomorrow.

"The contribution of the great woman Begum Rokeya, a pioneer of women's awakening, an educator, a writer and a social reformer is unforgettable. Like every year, the Begum Rokeya Day-2024' is being celebrated this year too. I pay deep respect to the memory of Begum Rokeya," he said in a message on the eve of Begum Rokeya Day and the ceremony of the 'Begum Rokeya Padak'.

Begum Rokeya, being confined within the four walls of the superstitious-society of the 19th century, dreamed of educating and developing women side by side men through her sharp writing, he said.

"Today, in the 21st century, we see the realization of her dream," he added.

In continuation of this, the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs is implementing various programmes, he said, adding that necessary assistance is being provided to develop women as entrepreneurs through training. 

Safe housing is being provided to working women through establishing working hostels, said Dr Yunus, adding that awareness is being ensured to prevent child marriage of adolescents. 

Various programmes and projects are being implemented, including Women and Children Repression Prevention Cell, Prevention of Women Trafficking, One Stop Crisis Center, National Helpline Center (109) and National Trauma Counseling Center, he said.

The Chief Adviser sincerely congratulated the 'Begum Rokeya Award' recipients for their dedication and contribution to women's development, inspired by the works and ideals of Begum Rokeya.

He hoped that womenfolk will work to improve the condition and position of the disadvantaged, oppressed and helpless women in the society from their respective positions and realize Begum Rokeya's dream.

He wished the 'Begum Rokeya Day-2024' and 'Begum Rokeya Padak-2024' event a success.