Women must create their own fate: PM

Emphasising that women must create their own fate and personal destiny, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said women can do all outside works maintaining decency as Islam gives them that liberty.

The prime minister said this while addressing a function in the capital's Osmani Memorial Auditorium. The women and children affairs ministry organised the event on the occasion of Begum Rokeya Day, marking the 135th birthday of the pioneer of women renaissance.

She said all rights of women have been ensured properly in Islam. When it comes to wealth or workplace, there is no scope to discriminate against women in employment, she added.

She mentioned that the first person who embraced Islam preached by the Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) was his wife Bibi Khadiza (R) and she was a businesswoman. Another wife of the Prophet (PBUH) Bibi Ayesha used to be present in war fields with the Prophet (PBUH).

"These are the great examples for us, Islam has given that scope and we have to keep that in mind," said Hasina.

"Women's self-confidence will grow up when they'll do their own works, and this self-confidence will open up the path for them to earn their self-dignity," the prime minister told the function.

She mentioned that Begum Rokeya had dreamt of a society where women would be magistrates, judges and barristers and that has come true as many women are already there in such posts.

Earlier, the prime minister handed over Rokeya Padak-2015 to late educationist Dr Taibun Nahar Rashid and noted fashion designer Bibi Russell for their outstanding contributions to their respective fields. Ali Asgar Khurshid, son of Nahar, received the award on behalf of his mother.

State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Meher Afroze Chumki presided over the function.

BEGUM ROKEYA DAY OBSERVED IN CTG

Our staff correspondent from Chittagong adds, Bangladesh Nari Pragati Sangha organised a rally in Chittagong city yesterday to mark the Rokeya Day.

Sharif Chouhan, Chittagong Gonojagoron Mancha convener, Ferdsous Ahammed, Sangha Chittagong office manager and its members, among others, joined the rally.