Begum Rokeya Day will be observed on Tuesday to commemorate the life and contributions of Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, a trailblazer in the fight for women’s rights and education in the Indian subcontinent.

Born on December 9, 1880, at Pairaband village of Rangpur, Begum Rokeya passed away on the same date in 1932.

To mark the day, the Women and Children Affairs Ministry, Begum Rokeya Foundation, and various socio-cultural and political organisations have arranged elaborate programmes.

Dhaka University’s Rokeya Hall also hosted special events to honour her legacy.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus issued a message paying tribute to Begum Rokeya.

 “Through her extensive social movement for women’s emancipation and human rights, Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain led women from darkness to light. Her remarkable contributions to establishing the women of this region in their rightful place in society will always be remembered with respect by the nation. On this occasion of Begum Rokeya Day, I pay my heartfelt tribute to the memory of this great woman,” he said.

In the conservative society of the 19th century, education was the key to the upliftment of disadvantaged women and recognising this, Begum Rokeya played a courageous and pioneering role in expanding women’s education, the Chief Adviser said.

Following the path she began for women’s development, the interim government continues to work towards women’s empowerment, he added.