In recognition of their special contribution to the advancement of women, the Begum Rokeya Padak 2025 was presented to four distinguished women by the Chief Advisor to the Interim Government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
He presented the awards at a ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital on Tuesday.
This year’s medalists are:
Dr. Ruvana Rakib (Women’s Education and Research),
Kalpana Akhter (Women and Labor Rights),
Dr. Nabila Idris (Human Rights),
Ritu Parna Chakma (Women’s Awakening and Sports).
The award was presented on the occasion of Begum Rokeya Day on December 9. Begum Rokeya is considered a symbol of women’s awakening in Bangladesh for her pioneering role in women’s education, rights, social reform and equality.
Born in 1880 in Pairaband, Rangpur, Rokeya played a pioneering role in the spread of women’s education and social reforms despite the hardships of life. Encouraged by her husband, she began her literary career and gradually became one of the most influential women writers in the Bengali language. The Sakhawat Memorial Girls’ School she founded later became known as an important institution in the field of women’s education.
Rokeya’s notable works include Motichur , Padmarag , Abrodhabasini and Sultana’s Dream . He died in Calcutta on 9 December 1932.
Various programs are being celebrated across the country, including in the capital, to mark the day. President Md. Shahabuddin and the Chief Advisor paid tribute to Begum Rokeya and her contributions in separate messages.