Begum Rokeya Day today

Various socio-cultural and political organisations have drawn up elaborate programmes.

President Iajuddin Ahmed,Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and Awami League President and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the eve of the day, paying glowing tributes to the memory of the legendary woman.

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In his message, the president called upon the conscious section of the society to help expand women's education and achieve economic emancipation of women.

Khaleda Zia said Begum Rokeya took the initiative for the freedom of women as she had realised that no country could attain development by keeping the women in isolation because they represented nearly 50 percent of the total population.

In her statement, Sheikh Hasina said empowerment of women is a pre-condition for ensuring human rights.

To mark the day, the Karmajbi Nari will hold a rally in front of the Engineers' Institute at 3.00pm today.

The Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, Bangladesh Sramajibi Nari Moitri and the Bangladesh Nari Pragati Sangha will also hold discussions today.