A country cannot progress by leaving women behind: Zaima Rahman

Barrister Zaima Rahman, daughter of BNP chairperson Tarique Rahman, has said that a country cannot move forward by leaving women behind. She made the remarks on Sunday, January 18, at a discussion titled Women in nation building: policy, potential and the future of Bangladesh, organised by the Dhaka Forum at the Krishibid Institute in Khamarbari.

This marked Zaima Rahman’s first public speech. BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury was present at the event as the chief guest.

Zaima Rahman said that not everyone in today’s society is the same. People differ in ideals, experiences and perspectives, but they are united when it comes to thinking about the country. She said the true beauty of democracy lies in listening to one another and engaging in reasoned discussion amid diversity.

She said that even with differences of opinion, it is possible to build a strong and inclusive state through dialogue based on mutual respect and tolerance.

Speaking on women’s development, Zaima Rahman said women constitute nearly half of the country’s population. Bangladesh can never achieve sustainable development by leaving such a large segment behind. She stressed that ensuring women’s active and meaningful participation in education, the economy and policymaking is essential for national progress.