Govt renames women and children affairs ministry

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday announced the change of Bengali name of Ministry of Women and Children Affairs from ‘Mahila O Shishu Bishoyok Montronaloy’ to ‘Nari O Shishu Bishoyok Montronaloy’.

He made the announcement while addressing the Begum Rokeya Day 2025 celebration and award ceremony, organised by the ministry at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka.

Recalling Begum Rokeya’s legacy, Prof Yunus said, “Even after 100 years, we have failed to produce another Rokeya. That is our misfortune. We have not fully embraced the guidance and dreams she left for us. We spoke, but we could not move forward. We must understand why.”

He added, “Begum Rokeya never worked in isolation; she always worked with the people. A century ago, she wrote that girls should be educated to earn their own livelihood. Why are we still unable to learn from that? We organise programmes, yet fail to act. Let Rokeya accompany us in our daily lives—only then will progress be possible.”

As in previous years, four women were honoured with the Rokeya Padak for their outstanding contributions to education, women’s rights, human rights and women’s empowerment. 

This year’s recipients are:

Ruvana Rakib: Women’s Education (Research)

Kalpana Akhter: Women’s Rights (Labour Rights)

Rituparna Chakma: Women’s Empowerment (Sports)

Nabila Idris: Human Rights

Sharmin S Murshid, Adviser to Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, presided over the event, while Senior Secretary Momtaz Ahmed delivered the welcome address.

SH