Women should not be subjected to oppression: Tarique Rahman

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman said that everyone should keep a vigilant eye on women so that they are not neglected, tortured, oppressed and deprived of their fair rights. Women's equality should now be the first agenda in the global campaign.

He said these things in a message given on the occasion of Women's Day this Friday (March 7) evening. In the message, Tarique Rahman wished all women continued happiness, peace and prosperity.

Tarique Rahman said that International Women's Day is a very significant day. The economic, political and social establishment of women worldwide is important. This day creates awareness to show general respect and admiration for women. The importance of this day in Bangladesh is immense.

Half of our population is women. Therefore, if women's society progresses, the overall development of the nation will be possible. Realizing this truth, martyred President Ziaur Rahman took groundbreaking steps to ensure greater participation of women in social and state activities. In continuation of that, the government of Begum Khaleda Zia, the leader of the country, implemented a comprehensive program for the socio-economic development of women in this country and took many effective initiatives to remove the darkness of illiteracy among women and expand education widely.

During her rule, the primary school enrollment rate increased to 97 percent. Girls were brought under the umbrella of scholarships and gender equality was established between boys and girls in schools. Two new cadet colleges and three polytechnic institutes were established for girls. Initiatives were taken to establish the Asian University for Women in Chittagong with the help of the United States.

Tarique Rahman also said that the government of Begum Khaleda Zia established a national university and an open university and approved private universities and medical colleges to encourage higher education.

Ensuring women's rights, she said, women's rights are an essential condition for global progress in peace, security, human rights and sustainable development. Everyone should keep a vigilant eye on ensuring that women are not neglected, tortured and oppressed and deprived of their fair rights. Women's equality should now be the first agenda in global action.