Bangladesh is observing Begum Rokeya Day-2024 today to pay tribute to Begum Rokeya Sakhawat, a social reformer and pioneer of women’s education.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus paid glowing tributes to the memory of Begum Rokeya in separate messages on the eve of the occasion.

“I welcome the initiative of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs to celebrate Begum Rokeya Day-2024 and ‘Begum Rokeya Padak’ ceremony. On this occasion, I pay deep respect to the memory of the great woman Begum Rokeya, the pioneer of women’s awakening and the embodiment of human emancipation,” said the President.
Begum Rokeya was simultaneously a writer, educator, social reformer and one of the pioneers of women’s awakening and women’s rights movement, the head of the state noted, adding that there is no alternative to education to establish women as self-respected  individual in society.
The President extended his heartfelt greetings to those who have received the “Begum Rokeya Padak-2024” this year for their outstanding   contribution to the development of women and society.
Being inspired by the success of Begum Rokeya’s works and philosophy, the womenfolk of Bangladesh will move forward   to achieving their desired goals, the President hoped.
Meanwhile, in his message, Prof Yunus said, “The contribution of the great woman Begum Rokeya, a pioneer of women’s awakening, an educator, a writer and a social reformer is unforgettable. Like every year, the Begum Rokeya Day-2024’ is being celebrated this year too. I pay deep respect to the memory of Begum Rokeya.”
Begum Rokeya, being confined within the four walls of the superstitious-society of the 19th century, dreamed of educating and developing women side by side men through her sharp writing, he said.
“Today, in the 21st century, we see the realisation of her dream,” he added.
The chief adviser sincerely congratulated the “Begum Rokeya Award” recipients for their dedication and contribution to women’s development, inspired by the works and ideals of Begum Rokeya.