The recent brutal attacks on women are deeply alarming and stand in stark contrast to the vision of a ‘New Bangladesh,’ said Interim Government Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Speaking at the International Women’s Day 2025 celebration at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka on Saturday, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring equal rights for all, stating that every possible effort would be made to establish gender equality in the country.
During his keynote speech at the event, the Chief Adviser acknowledged the significant contributions of Bangladeshi women across various sectors. He highlighted their resilience in overcoming challenges to play essential roles in politics, the economy, and overall national progress.
Professor Yunus pointed out that just a few days ago, the country witnessed an unprecedented level of female participation in ‘Youth Festival 2025,’ a nationwide event designed to empower young people in building a new Bangladesh. A record number of women participated in various sports, including cricket, football, kabaddi, badminton, volleyball, and basketball, demonstrating the growing presence of women in public life. According to him, an astounding 2.74 million women from different regions of the country engaged in nearly 3,000 games and cultural activities. Thousands of spectators, including men, cheered for them, showcasing widespread support for women’s rights and inclusion in Bangladesh’s social fabric.
The Chief Adviser expressed his determination to resist anti-women forces attempting to suppress progress. He emphasized the importance of nationwide solidarity in combating these threats, urging people to stand up against gender-based violence and discrimination. He also criticized societal attitudes that demean women instead of supporting victims of violence, arguing that Bangladesh cannot advance as a nation unless such mindsets change.
Professor Yunus underscored the urgency of eliminating gender-based violence and discrimination, stressing that achieving an equitable and inclusive Bangladesh is impossible without standing by women. He called for a shift in cultural perspectives that belittle women, insisting that overcoming such prejudices is crucial for national development.
In honor of International Women’s Day, the Chief Adviser presented the ‘Indomitable Women Awards’ to outstanding individuals who have excelled in different fields. The awardees included Sharifa Sultana for economics, Halima Begum for education and employment, Marina Besra as a successful mother, Lipi Begum for triumphing over life struggles, Md. Muhin (Mohona) for social development, and the Bangladesh National Women’s Cricket Team for their remarkable contributions to sports.
The event was presided over by Adviser on Women and Children’s Affairs, Sharmin S. Murshid. Special guests included United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwen Lewis and Professor Geeti Ara Nasreen of Dhaka University’s Department of Mass Communication and Journalism. Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs, Momtaz Ahmed, delivered the welcome speech, setting the stage for a discussion on the significance of gender equality and the empowerment of women in shaping Bangladesh’s future.