Women’s safety crucial to achieve development, prosperity: President

President Mohammed Shahabuddin today (8 March) stressed ensuring women's safety both at home and outside the home to fully realise the benefits of policies adopted for women's development and prosperity.

"Let today's pledge be that women and girls will no longer be victims of neglect, violence and discrimination, and that they will enjoy equal opportunities and dignity everywhere," he said.

The President was addressing the International Women's Day–2026 celebration and the Best Indomitable Women Award ceremony at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium here.

Expressing his commitment to building a liveable Bangladesh, the President said he envisioned a country where every woman grows up in a safe environment, becomes self-reliant and takes leadership roles, and where every girl has the opportunity to dream and fulfil her aspirations.

Eminent physician and social worker Dr Jobaida Rahman, wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and their only daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman, attended the programme as special guests.

Late Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was honoured with the "Best Indomitable Woman in Advancing Democracy" award. UK-trained lawyer Barrister Zaima Rahman received the award on behalf of her grandmother.

"The government of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia set a notable example by adopting strict legal and administrative measures against violence against women. Special initiatives are still being taken to combat such crimes," he said. 

The Head of State said the progress of women means the progress of the country and the nation as well, urging everyone - particularly in patriarchal societies - to recognise this truth.

Referring to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, he said the foundation he laid for women's development was further strengthened by Begum Khaleda Zia, who made primary education for girls compulsory and introduced free education up to class XII.

Begum Khaleda Zia also introduced education stipends for girls to increase female enrolment, the President said, adding that the initiative received international acclaim.

The current government, he noted, plans to introduce free education for girls up to the postgraduate level.

Referring to the Family Card programme aimed at supporting economically disadvantaged families, the President said it would be launched from 10 March and hoped the initiative would help make the family economy self-reliant.

The President highlighted several persistent social challenges, including violence against women, workplace discrimination, wage inequality, weak legal protection, insecurity, child marriage, anti-women attitudes and social prejudice.

In this connection, he said social harassment, online defamation and cyber-bullying targeting women have also emerged as new challenges.

President Shahabuddin called for collective efforts to address these problems through the strict enforcement of laws and greater social awareness.

He urged families, educational institutions, religious and social leaders, media professionals and the younger generation to promote the values of equality and respect for women.

He also acknowledged the contribution of millions of women working in the ready-made garment (RMG) industry, describing them as a major driving force behind the country's export earnings.

Women are now excelling in many fields, including politics, media, entrepreneurship, science, technology, administration, peacekeeping and sports, he added.

Earlier, the President paid tribute to the martyrs of all movements and struggles for democracy and people's rights, from the War of Independence in 1971 to the July Uprising in 2024.

A documentary titled "Today's Steps, Tomorrow's Justice: May the Rights of Women and Girls Be Protected" was screened at the event.

On the occasion, the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs also presented awards to five other women in five different categories for their resilience and achievements.

Minister for Women and Children Affairs Professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, MP, chaired the event. 

State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Farzana Sharmin, MP; UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller; and Director General of the Directorate of Women Affairs Zeenat Ara also spoke.

The President later joined a photo session with the award recipients.