The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs has announced this year’s recipients of the Begum Rokeya Padak, an award presented annually on 9 December to honour outstanding contributions to women’s empowerment, marking both the birth and death anniversary of Begum Rokeya.
This year, the government has selected Dr Ruvana Rakib in the category of women’s education (research), Kalpana Akter in women’s rights (labour rights), Nabila Idris in human rights and national footballer Rituparna Chakma in women’s awakening (sports).
Ritu Porna Chakma, one of the brightest stars in Bangladesh women’s football, has been recognised for her remarkable achievements on the field and her role in inspiring young women across the country.
Her decisive brace against Myanmar secured Bangladesh’s first-ever qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, while her crucial goal in last year’s SAFF Championship final helped Bangladesh defeat Nepal to claim the title. Rising above social and family barriers, she has emerged as a national icon.
The award-giving ceremony will be held on Tuesday at the capital’s Osmani Memorial Auditorium. The laureates will be honoured at the event, which will be presided over by Sharmin Murshid, adviser to the Women and Children Affairs Ministry.
