President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Sunday stressed the need to ensure women’s safety both at home and in public spaces, saying it is essential to realise the full benefits of policies aimed at 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.
Expressing his vision for a liveable Bangladesh, Shahabuddin said he hoped to see a country where every woman grows up in a safe environment, becomes self-reliant and assumes leadership roles, and where every girl has the opportunity to pursue her aspirations.
Eminent physician and social worker Jobaida Rahman, wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and their daughter Zaima Rahman attended the event as special guests.
Former prime minister Khaleda Zia was posthumously honoured with the “Best Indomitable Woman in Advancing Democracy” award. Barrister Zaima Rahman received the award on behalf of her late grandmother.
Shahabuddin said the government led by Khaleda Zia had set an example by adopting strict legal and administrative measures to combat violence against women, noting that initiatives to address such crimes continue.
“The progress of women means the progress of the country and the nation as well,” he said, urging people, particularly in patriarchal societies, to recognise this reality.
Referring to former president Ziaur Rahman, Shahabuddin said the foundation he laid for women’s development was later strengthened by Khaleda Zia, who made primary education for girls compulsory and introduced free education up to class XII.
She also launched education stipends for girls to increase female enrolment, an initiative that received international recognition, he added.
According to the president, the current government plans to introduce free education for girls up to the postgraduate level.
He also referred to the Family Card programme aimed at supporting economically disadvantaged households, saying it is scheduled to be launched on March 10 and is expected to strengthen family-level economic resilience.
Shahabuddin highlighted several persistent social challenges, including violence against women, workplace discrimination, wage inequality, weak legal protection, child marriage and deep-rooted social prejudice.
He also warned of emerging threats such as social harassment, online defamation and cyberbullying targeting women.
Calling for stronger action, the president urged strict enforcement of laws and greater social awareness, and asked families, educational institutions, religious and community leaders, media professionals and young people to promote equality and respect for women.
He also acknowledged the role of millions of women employed in the ready-made garment sector, describing them as a major driver of Bangladesh’s export earnings.
Women are increasingly making their mark in politics, media, entrepreneurship, science, technology, administration, peacekeeping and sports, he said.
Earlier, Shahabuddin paid tribute to those who died in movements and struggles for democracy and people’s rights, from the Bangladesh Liberation War 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 during the event.
The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs also presented awards to five other women in different categories for their resilience and achievements.
Women and Children Affairs Minister AZM Zahid Hossain chaired the event. State Minister Farzana Sharmin, United Nations Development Programme 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.