Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has announced the change of the Bengali name of Women and Children Affairs Ministry 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 the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital on Tuesday.

Recalling the legacy of Begum Rokeya, the chief adviser said, “Even after 100 years, we have failed to produce another Rokeya. That is our misfortune. We have not been able to embrace the guidance and dreams she left for us. We spoke, but we could not move forward. We must find out why.”

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

As in previous years, four distinguished women received the Rokeya Padak this year for their outstanding contributions to women’s education, women’s rights, human rights, and women’s empowerment. The recipients are- Ruvana Rakib (women’s education–research), Kalpana Akhter (women’s rights–labour rights), Rituparna Chakma (women’s empowerment–sports), and Nabila Idris (human rights category).

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