Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday (December 09, 2025) distributed the Begum Rokeya Padak 2025 among four distinguished women in recognition of their contributions to women’s education and rights, human rights and women’s awakening.
The Chief Adviser handed over the awards at a ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium.
Calling for building a new Bangladesh with women at the forefront, Prof Yunus said that young women have demonstrated remarkable leadership during the Mass Uprising and must continue to be elevated to higher roles.
“Let our new Bangladesh be built by keeping women in the forefront. Today’s women represent a post–Mass Uprising generation, an entirely different women’s society. The journey of a new Bangladesh has begun with their hands. This women’s society will inspire not only women, but everyone,” he said.
Prof Yunus noted that Begum Rokeya clearly articulated in her speeches and writings the ideals she envisioned for women.
“This is not just another award; this is a groundbreaking award. These women have taken us to another level in the eyes of the world. They are not only the daughters of Bangladesh - they are leaders of the entire world,” he added.
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The Chief Adviser said, “Even after 100 years, we have not been able to create another Rokeya. This is our misfortune. We have not been able to implement the directions and dreams she laid out. We have talked about them, but we have not moved forward. We must find out why.”
He also reflected on the difficult struggles women face, recalling his time teaching at Chittagong University and the early days of establishing Grameen Bank during the famine of 1974. “The famine affected women and children first,” he said.
Prof Yunus emphasized that Begum Rokeya never worked in isolation. “She always acted with society in mind. A hundred years ago, Rokeya urged us to teach women and girls to earn their living. Why can’t we learn from that? We keep organizing, yet we fail to learn. Only if Rokeya’s ideals guide our daily lives can we truly move forward.”
The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs organised the programme, marking Begum Rokeya Day 2025, in observance of the 145th birth anniversary and the 93rd death anniversary of Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, a pioneering advocate of women’s rights and education.
Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S. Murshid chaired the event, attended by advisers of the interim government, distinguished personalities and family members of the awardees.
Senior Secretary Mamtaz Ahmed of the Ministry delivered the welcome address.
A cultural programme, including the screening of a documentary titled ‘Ami-e Rokeya’, highlighted Begum Rokeya’s contributions to advancing women’s education and combating child marriage.
The event also showcased Begum Rokeya’s enduring influence in inspiring women and underscored the progress of women’s empowerment in the country, emphasising education as a key driver in establishing women’s rights.
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Dr Rubhana Rakib, a physician, received the award in the category of women’s education (research), while Kalpana Akter, a labour leader, was honoured in the category of women’s rights (labour).
Dr Nabila Idris, a rights activist, received the award in the category of human rights, and Ritu Porna Chakma, a member of the Bangladesh Women’s National Football Team, was recognised in the category of women’s awakening (sports).