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DHAKA, Dec 8, 2024 (BSS) – President Mohammed Shahabuddin today paid glowing tributes to the memory of Begum Rokeya, a precursor of Bengali women's education and a social reformer for ensuring equal rights for women and men, marking the Begum Rokeya Day-2024   tomorrow.

"I welcome the initiative of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs to celebrate Begum Rokeya Day-2024 and 'Begum Rokeya Padak' ceremony. 

On this occasion, I pay deep respect to the memory of the great woman Begum Rokeya, the pioneer of women's awakening and the embodiment of human emancipation," he said in a message on the eve of Begum Rokeya Day and the ceremony of the 'Begum Rokeya Padak'.

Begum Rokeya was simultaneously a writer, educator, social reformer and one of the pioneers of women's awakening and women's rights movement, the head of the state said.

There is no alternative to education to establish women as self-respected    individual in society, he said, adding that from this realization, she inspired Muslim women of Indian continent to pursue education and played an unforgettable role in the spread of Muslim women's education. 

The name of Rokeya will be remembered forever as a torchbearer in the history of women's education in Bangladesh, he said.

Rokeya was a pioneer in eliminating all discrimination and exploitation against women, Shahabuddin said, adding that modernity, progressiveness and humanity were her sense of thoughts and consciousness. 

Her struggle and stance against contemporary socio-cultural suburbanites    , prejudices  and religious fanaticisms  have been depicted  in her ageless  writings, he said, adding that in fact, the main theme of her entire literary activities and writings was to expose the true power of women and make them aware of their rights.

The president extended his heartfelt greetings to those who have received the 'Begum Rokeya Padak-2024' this year for their outstanding   contribution to the development of women and society.

Being inspired by the success of Begum Rokeya's works and philosophy, the womenfolk of Bangladesh will move forward   to achieving their desired goals, the President  hoped.