National progress cannot be achieved without the full participation and empowerment of women, Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain said on Wednesday.
“We cannot move forward by leaving women behind. To move forward, we have to take our mothers and sisters with us,” he said while speaking at the Hifzul Quran Award-2025 ceremony organised by Nibras Madrasa at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed International Convention Center in Dhaka.
Dr. Khalid highlighted examples from early Islamic history, noting that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) built society and governed the state alongside Hazrat Khadija (RA), Hazrat Ayesha (RA) and other prominent female companions. “Mothers and sisters were even seen on the battlefield,” he said.
He stressed the need to create opportunities for women to excel in both religious and modern education. “If we can prepare our mothers, sisters and daughters as Hafizas, Alims, Muhaddisas, doctors, technicians and scientists, they will be able to play a significant role in society and the state,” he added.
The adviser said the nation dreams of a future without divisions and underscored the importance of unity.
He expressed hope that Nibras Madrasa would serve as a milestone in building a welfare state based on Islamic ideals.
Calling on people to show respect and avoid hostility, Dr. Khalid said, “If I do not respect another person, I cannot expect respect in return. If I throw stones, then I must be prepared to receive a piece of wood.”
He urged everyone to refrain from backbiting, slander and gossip, and to unite under the banner of Kalima Tayyaba.
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The event was presided over by Principal Maulana Muhammad Zainul Abedin, President of the Nibras Madrasa Management Committee. The main discussant was Allama Syed Anwar Hossain Taher Ahmad Jaberi Al-Madani, Khatib of Andarkilla Shahi Jame Mosque in Chittagong.
Speeches were also delivered by Muhammad Muniruzzaman Bhuiyan, Joint Secretary of the Technical and Madrasa Education Department; Professor Miya Md. Nurul Haque, Chairman of the Bangladesh Madrasa Education Board; Shaykhul Qurra Hafiz Qari Abdul Haque, Chairman of Huffazul Quran Foundation Bangladesh; and Maulana Shah Mohammad Wali Ullah, Secretary General of Nibras Foundation Bangladesh.
Later, Dr. Khalid handed over crests to the Hafizul Quran students of Nibras Madrasa.