Foreign ministry celebrates IWD 2026 with enthusiasm, resolve

Bangladesh joined the global community on Sunday in celebrating “International Women’s Day,” recognising the achievements, resilience and contributions of women across all sectors of society.

As part of the celebration, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam hosted an Iftar event at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka, attended mainly by women, including diplomats, politicians, officials, civil society leaders and distinguished guests from diverse sectors, said a press release.

Shama paid tribute to Bangladeshi women, from the pioneers of the 1971 War of Liberation to leaders, professionals, educators and entrepreneurs driving the nation’s development.

She remembered with respect former prime minister Khaleda Zia for her ground-breaking initiatives in female education and recalled late president Ziaur Rahman’s legacy in expanding women’s workforce participation and establishing the Women Affairs entity.

Highlighting the new government’s initiatives under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the state minister also outlined various plans, including the Family and Farmers Card programmes, support for women entrepreneurs, free education for girls up to postgraduate level, expanded healthcare facilities, and efforts to boost women’s participation in the formal economy.

She emphasised the government’s commitment to addressing violence against women and girls and strengthening measures to prevent and respond to such violence.

Sarah Cooke, British high commissioner to Bangladesh and Gitanjali Singh, UN Women country representative, also spoke at the event, highlighting global partnerships and collaborative efforts to advance women’s rights and gender equality.

Among others, Zaima Rahman, daughter of PM Tarique, joined the event.

Attendees celebrated this year’s theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.” while emphasising the need to remove barriers to justice and equal opportunity for women and girls everywhere.