Khaleda Zia’s Granddaughter Zaima Rahman Accepts Posthumous Award on Her Behalf

Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has been posthumously honored as an “Indomitable Woman” for her contributions to women’s education, democracy, and nation-building. Her granddaughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman, received the award on her behalf from President Mohammed Shahabuddin during a ceremony held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka on Sunday (8 March) to mark International Women’s Day.

The event recognized 39 women from across the country’s eight divisions, with five selected for special honors. They are:

• Bobita Khatun from Khulna
• Shomola Begum from Chattogram
• Nurbanu Kabir from Rangpur
• Nurun Nahar Akter from Mymensingh
• Afroza Yasmin from Dhaka

This year’s award categories included women who achieved success in economic fields, education and employment, exemplary motherhood, overcoming violence to triumph in life struggles, and those making exceptional contributions to social development.

Recipients were also announced from each division:

Dhaka Division — Arifa Begum, Marufa Akter, Nasrin Akter, Mukta Akter, and Mosa. Afroza Yasmin

Rajshahi Division — Lata Khatun, Rizu Tamanna, Mosa. Rasheda Begum, Rajia Khatun, and Sumaiya Islam

Chattogram Division — Asma Akter Kona, Begum Tajkera Chowdhury, Bilkich Begum, and Shomola Begum

Sylhet Division — Kulsuma Begum, Mosammat Amina Begum, Mosa. Rahima Begum, Kanchan Begum, and Rifat Ara Rifa

Khulna Division — Tarana Tabassum, Mosa. Bobita Khatun, Lutfun Nessa Begum, Sharifa Yasmin, and Mosa. Rajia Khatun

Rangpur Division — Farida Parvin, Rikta Banu, Mosa. Rasheda Begum, Mosa. Parvin Akter, and Khandaker Abida Sultana Ria

Barishal Division — Mosa. Nilufa Yasmin, Nahid Rumana Mitu, Delwara Begum, Salma Akter, and Rita Brahma

Mymensingh Division — Nurun Nahar Begum, Umme Rafiba Jahan, Hasna Hena Bari, Nasrin Begum, and Tahmidah

The recognition ceremony highlighted the achievements of women across diverse fields and reinforced the government’s commitment to gender equality and empowerment.