Mujibnagar Khabor, March 9, 2019, In celebration of International Women’s Day 2019, a two-day series of events—including a rally, discussion sessions, and a development fair—was held in Gangni Upazila, Meherpur. The initiative was organized by the Gangni Upazila Administration in collaboration with the Department of Women Affairs.
On Friday, March 8, the day’s events began with a vibrant rally that started at 10 AM and paraded through the main roads of Gangni town. The rally was led by Gangni UNO Bishnupod Pal and joined by representatives from various government offices, NGOs, and civil society.
Notable attendees included:
- Sazedul Islam, OC (Investigation), Gangni Police Station
- Sirajul Islam, educator, cultural personality, and President of the Meherpur District Chapter of the National Girl Child Advocacy Forum
- Moniruzzaman, Organizational Secretary, Gangni Upazila Awami League and representative of MP Sahiduzzaman Khokon
- Nasima Begum, Upazila Women Affairs Officer
- Khorshed Alam, Regional Coordinator (Jessore), The Hunger Project-Bangladesh
- Bulbul Ahmed, Executive Director, Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha
- Representatives of BRAC, Sandhani Sangstha, Palashipara Samaj Kalyan Samiti, and several other women's welfare and rights organizations
Following the rally, the Women’s Development Fair was inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, featuring stalls from over 15 women-led and women-focused organizations.
A discussion session was later held at the Upazila Parishad Conference Room, presided over by Nasima Begum. Chief guest UNO Bishnupod Pal and other dignitaries addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of women’s rights, empowerment, and active civic engagement.
The program was moderated by journalist Amirul Islam Aldam, with speeches by:
- Abdur Rashid, President of SUJAN and former Assistant Professor, Gangni Govt. Degree College
- Moniruzzaman Atu, Awami League Leader
- Many others from community-based organizations and local administration
Guests also toured the various stalls set up by organizations such as Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha, BRAC, The Hunger Project, Adarsha Mohila Kalyan Samiti, and Surjomukhi Mohila Kalyan Samiti among others.
Organizers announced that the closing ceremony of the fair would take place the following Saturday.
