President Mohammed Shahabuddin has stressed that ensuring women’s safety in Bangladesh, both at home and in public spaces, is crucial for achieving the country’s long-term development and prosperity.
Speaking at the International Women’s Day 2026 celebration and Best Indomitable Women Award ceremony at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka on Sunday, the president said women must be protected from neglect, violence and discrimination to fully benefit from national development policies.
“Let today’s pledge be that women and girls will no longer be victims of neglect, violence and discrimination, and that they will enjoy equal opportunities and dignity everywhere,” Mohammed Shahabuddin said.
The president said Bangladesh’s progress depends on ensuring that women grow up in safe environments, become economically self-reliant and take leadership roles in society.
“I envision a Bangladesh where every woman can realise her potential and every girl can dream freely and achieve her aspirations,” he added.
The event was attended by several prominent guests, including physician and social worker Jobaida Rahman, wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and Barrister Zaima Rahman.
During the ceremony, Khaleda Zia was posthumously honoured with the Best Indomitable Woman in Advancing Democracy award. Barrister Zaima Rahman received the award on behalf of her grandmother.
The president highlighted the role of past governments in strengthening women’s empowerment initiatives in Bangladesh, noting that policies introduced during Khaleda Zia’s tenure included strict legal measures against violence against women.
He also referred to earlier reforms that expanded education opportunities for girls, including compulsory primary education and free education up to class XII, alongside stipends aimed at increasing female enrolment.
According to the president, the current government plans to expand these initiatives by introducing free education for girls up to postgraduate level.
Mohammed Shahabuddin also highlighted the upcoming launch of the Family Card programme, scheduled to begin on 10 March, which aims to support economically disadvantaged households and strengthen family-level economic resilience.
Despite progress in women’s empowerment, the president said several challenges remain, including violence against women, workplace discrimination, wage inequality, child marriage and weak legal protections.
He also warned about emerging threats such as online harassment, cyberbullying and digital defamation targeting women.
The president called for stronger enforcement of laws and broader social awareness to address these issues, urging families, educational institutions, religious leaders, media organisations and young people to promote equality and respect for women.
Highlighting the economic contribution of women, Mohammed Shahabuddin praised millions of female workers in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector, describing them as a driving force behind the country’s export earnings.
He said women in Bangladesh are increasingly playing leadership roles in politics, science, technology, entrepreneurship, administration, peacekeeping and sports.
Earlier in the programme, the president paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in movements for democracy and people’s rights, from the 1971 War of Independence to the July 2024 uprising.
A documentary titled “Today’s Steps, Tomorrow’s Justice: May the Rights of Women and Girls Be Protected” was also screened at the event.
The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs presented awards to five additional women in different categories in recognition of their resilience and achievements.
The event was chaired by AZM Zahid Hossain, minister for women and children affairs. Other speakers included Farzana Sharmin, state minister for women and children affairs; Stefan Liller, UNDP Bangladesh resident representative; and Zeenat Ara, director general of the Directorate of Women Affairs.
The president later joined the award recipients for a photo session.
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