Prime Minister’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman on Monday underscored the importance of women’s empowerment, saying women can play a vital role in family welfare, healthcare and rural development.

“If everyone contributes from their respective positions toward building the desired society, it would certainly be possible to achieve that goal,” she said while addressing the annual gathering and fair organised by Bangladesh Police Women Welfare Association (PUNAK) as the chief guest.

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She also stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and development of girl children. “Every girl should be able to pursue the future she dreams of and the state system should support that path instead of creating obstacles,” she said.

At the outset of her speech, Dr Zubaida, also a cardiologist, paid tribute to BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia.

“First of all, I respectfully remember martyred President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. I am very pleased to be present at this event organised by PUNAK today. I congratulate all members for their tireless efforts and contributions to different levels of society,” she said.

She said the activities carried out by PUNAK members are helping guide future generations toward contributing positively to society.

“The social welfare initiatives you have undertaken for past, present and future development collectively lay the foundation for a beautiful, healthy and humane society,” she added.

She also called for encouraging women entrepreneurs in small, cottage and medium industries on the basis of merit through training, development and marketing support.

She said such initiatives would help increase family solvency, ensure children’s education and facilitate poverty alleviation.

She thanked all members of PUNAK for organising the event.

Spouse of Home Minister Hasina Ahmed and Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Mowla , among other, attended the programme as guests of honour.

Leaders and members of the PUNAK family were also present at the event.