Caretaker Administration awards Begum Rokeya Padak 2025 to four laureates

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday presented the Begum Rokeya Padak 2025 to four distinguished women for their contributions to women’s education and rights, human rights, and women’s empowerment.

Physician Dr Rubhana Rakib received the award in the category of women’s education (research), while labour leader Kalpana Akter was honoured for her work in advancing women’s labour rights.

Rights activist Dr Nabila Idris was recognised in the human rights category, and Ritu Porna Chakma, a member of the Bangladesh Women’s National Football Team, was awarded in the women’s awakening (sports) category.

The Chief Adviser conferred the awards at a gala ceremony held this morning at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium.

The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs organised the event to mark Begum Rokeya Day 2025, commemorating the 145th birth anniversary and 93rd death anniversary of Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain—a pioneer of women’s rights and education.

Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid presided over the programme, which was attended by advisers to the interim government, dignitaries, and the awardees’ families. Senior Secretary Mamtaz Ahmed delivered the welcome address.

The event featured a cultural segment, including a screening of the documentary Ami-e Rokeya, highlighting Begum Rokeya’s lifelong efforts to advance women’s education and combat child marriage.

The programme also showcased Rokeya’s enduring influence in inspiring women and underscored education as central to securing women’s rights and empowerment in Bangladesh.