Chief Adviser confers Begum Rokeya Padak 2025 on four women

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday distributed the Begum Rokeya Padak 2025 to four eminent women in recognition of their outstanding contributions to women’s education, rights, human rights and women’s awakening.

Dr Rubhana Raqib, a physician, received the award in the women’s education (research) category, while labour leader Kalpona Akter was honoured in the women’s rights (labour) category.

Rights activist Dr Nabila Idris won the award in the human rights category, and Ritu Porna Chakma, a member of the Bangladesh Women’s National Football Team, was recognised in the women’s awakening (sports) category.

The Chief Adviser handed over the awards at a ceremony held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka this morning.

Organised by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, the event marked Begum Rokeya Day 2025, commemorating the 145th birth anniversary and 93rd death anniversary of Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, a pioneer of women’s education and rights.

Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid chaired the programme. Other advisers of the interim government, distinguished guests, and family members of the awardees attended the function.

Senior Secretary of the Ministry Mamtaz Ahmed delivered the welcome address.

A cultural programme featuring the documentary Ami-e Rokeya highlighted Begum Rokeya’s lifelong struggle for women’s education and against child marriage, while underscoring education as the cornerstone of women’s empowerment in Bangladesh.