Dainik Mathabhanga, March 9, 2017 – Speakers at Discussion Programs across Chuadanga, Meherpur, and Jhenaidah on International Women’s Day
Mathabhanga Desk:
With the slogan “Women and Men Moving Towards Equality: A New Dimension in Work Will Change the World,” International Women’s Day was celebrated across Chuadanga, Meherpur, Jhenaidah, and the rest of the country. On this occasion, various discussion sessions were held.
Speakers at the events emphasized: “Who will give women their rights? Many women are already serving successfully in key roles in Bangladesh—DCs, SPs, Armed Forces, and private sectors—not because they were given these positions for being women, but because they earned them with merit.” Therefore, every woman must gain qualifications and claim her rights.
The biggest barrier to gaining those qualifications is child marriage. Guardians, considering daughters as a burden, marry them off early—unknowingly pushing them toward danger. The speakers urged parents to become aware and provide equal education opportunities to both sons and daughters.
In Chuadanga, a discussion was organized by the District Administration and the Department of Women Affairs at 10:30 AM at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference room. District Women Affairs Officer Abdul Awal presided over the meeting. The Deputy Commissioner Saima Yunus was the chief guest. Other speakers included former principal Siddiqur Rahman, Council Member Nurunnahar Kakoli, Vice Chairman Kohinur Begum, and many more representatives from BRAC, EDAB, and NGOs.
A colorful rally and discussion were also held by Chuadanga Municipality with support from LGED’s Third Urban Governance and Infrastructure Improvement Project. Mayor Obaidur Rahman Chowdhury attended as chief guest.
A separate session was held by the National Women’s Organization Chuadanga District Branch, chaired by Nabila Rukhsana and attended by other prominent women leaders.
In Alamdanga, a rally and discussion were arranged by the Upazila Administration and Women Affairs Office, with UNO Azad Jahan presiding. Speakers included local vice chairmen, UP chairmen, and women representatives.
In Damurhuda, a rally and discussion were held at the Upazila premises led by UNO Md. Rafiqul Hasan. Officials from land, education, agriculture, police, and NGOs such as Muktinari o Shishu Unnayan Sangstha participated.
In Meherpur, a rally was led by Additional Deputy Commissioner Rashidul Mannaf Kabir, ending at the District Shilpakala Academy where a discussion was held. Government officials, NGO leaders, and women representatives participated.
Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha and Su-Shanta also organized sessions in Amjhupi and Mujibnagar with participation from government and educational officials.
In Jhenaidah, a rally and discussion were held at the DC office led by DC Mahbub Alam Talukder. Present were police, local government, LGED, and NGO representatives. Speakers urged everyone to play a role in establishing women’s rights.
In Maheshpur, government and private organizations organized rallies and discussions. At RDC’s hall room, a discussion was chaired by Abdur Rahman with participation from college faculty and UP chairmen.
In Kotchandpur, the UNO Shammi Islam led a rally followed by a discussion attended by local leaders, freedom fighters, and educational professionals.
Finally, in Maheshpur Upazila, another session was held chaired by UNO Asafur Rahman, with participation from the Upazila Chairman Abdul Hai, officers from agriculture and women affairs, and other distinguished guests.
