Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called upon everyone to work sincerely for the development of women.

On the eve of International Women's Day on March 8, he wished all women around the world happy, prosperous, and dignified lives. These wishes were conveyed in a message sent to the media to mark the day.

He emphasised the main objectives of the day, which are to reduce the disparity between men and women and to show respect to women. He stated, "We must remain vigilant so that women in society never face discrimination."

Referring to BNP founder and late president Ziaur Rahman's contributions to women's development, he mentioned, "Our country's women are now able to play a significant role in different sectors thanks to the various steps taken by the late President Ziaur Rahman."

He also noted that a significant number of women in Bangladesh have become financially self-reliant due to initiatives taken by the former BNP government led by party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

He expressed his belief that if this progress continues, more women will be able to contribute significantly to the country's socio-economic sector.

Regarding the alarming increase in violence against women, he stated, " Violence against women and children has risen. Former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is currently being confined out of vengeance. Despite being a woman, she is facing repression. We must put an end to this anarchic situation."

In a separate incident, the police thwarted a procession organized by Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal, an associate body of BNP, when they attempted to start it from the party's central office at Naya Paltan in the capital at 11:30 am on Friday.

President of Mohila Dal, Afroza Abbas, mentioned that the police did not allow them to hold the procession in honor of International Women's Day.

UNB adds: Khaleda Zia pioneered women empowerment in Bangladesh, said BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury on Friday.

"Begum Zia had proved that a woman can become the prime minister and lead a movement against an autocrat regime as she had been elected first PM of Bangladesh after a successful movement against autocrat HM Earshad in 1991,"Khasru said.

He said this while addressing a rally organised by Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal in front of BNP's central office at Nayapaltan in the city on Friday, marking the International Women's Day.

By prioritising women's affairs ministry during her first tenure, Khaleda Zia had confirmed recruitment of women in every sector of government, Khasru added.

He said Khaleda Zia had taken initiatives to financially empower women by creating employment opportunities through farming duck, hen, goat etc. and encouraging the financial institutions such as banks to give them loan.