Forge unity against the evil force: PM at Dhaka

Addressing a function at Osmani Memorial Hall here today on the occasion, the Prime Minister paid her rich tributes to Begum Roquia, a pioneer of women renaissance in the subcontinent.
"Begum Roquia has accomplished tremendous tasks to liberate women from the bondage of social malaises. Today, we would not have got the opportunities in the society, had Begum Roquia not been born," she said. Pointing out the women role to the country's independence and development, the Prime Minister said, "we could earn many of our national achievements due to immense sacrifice of the women". "We are now liberated. But, we should remember that our sisters and mothers suffered immense by the occupation forces and their local collaborators for the independence," she said.

The Prime Minister sought support of all particularly the womenfolk to complete the process of the trial of the war criminals initiated by her government. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said despite born and brought up in a conservative society of nineteenth century Begum Roquia was the pioneer of women education and freedom of women. "We become surprised with many writings of Begum Roquia and her degree of understandings for education and development of women long time ago," she said adding, "How deep her thought was who considered for position of ladies at the top of the administration, judiciary and leadership."

The Prime Minister called upon the private organizations and individuals to come forward to supplement the government efforts for the development of country's womenfolk and ensure their equal rights and opportunities. She said in order to materialize the thoughts and spirit of Begum Roquia, the government has been implementing various women development programmes putting special emphasis on ensuring the participation of women in all national activities. Sheikh Hasina said being imbued with the teachings and ideals of Begum Roquia, her government has been working for the welfare and development of the women. She said massive steps have been taken to enhance skill and employment opportunities for the women, groom up them as entrepreneurs, ensure their massive participation in the labour market as well as increase their economic power.

Terming achievements of MDG awards in 2010 in developing socio-economic development of the country, Sheikh Hasina said, six of the eight MDGs are related to development of women and children. She said special emphasis has been given in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) on establishing gender equity and women's poverty reduction.