People in Rajshahi observed International Women's Day 2025. Photo: BSS

 
RAJSHAHI, March 8, 2025 (BSS) - Various government and non-government development organisations observed the International Women's Day-2025 befittingly here Saturday with the unanimous call of freeing the womenfolk from all sorts of violence, disparity and discrimination for overall development of the nation. 
 
The theme for International Women's Day 2025, "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment," emphasizes the importance of achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls globally.
 
Marking the day, the district administration and department of women affairs jointly organised a post-rally discussion meeting at the conference hall of Deputy Commissioner (DC) in Rajshahi city. 
 
Commissioner of Rajshahi division Khandaker Azim Ahmed addressed the meeting as chief guest, with DC Afiya Akhter in the chair.

Superintendent of Police Farzana Islam, Medical Officer from Civil Surgeon Office Dr Tamanna Kabir, Prof Sagar Kumar from Rajshahi College and Khatib of Upashahar Model Mosque and Islami Cultural Centre Abdullah Al Mamun also spoke.

Deputy Director of the Department of Women Affairs Shanom Shirin welcomed the participants.
 
The discussants unanimously termed the day's theme as time befitting in the current perspective and wished 
success of all programmes of the day.
 
In his remarks, Commissioner Khandaker Azim Ahmed mentioned gender balance is the precondition to substantial and sustainable progress of the nation and it is very important to the development of the national economy. 
 
Responsive support from the community, especially teachers, parents and leaders of influence has become a must for stopping child marriage. 
 
Eradicating child marriage is imperative as the social menace hampers many socio-economic developments in the country. 
 
More community participation is needed to build a society free from child marriage as it's a precondition to end violence against women.

Various other development and volunteer organizations, including Bangladesh Mohila Parishad (BMP), Paribartan, Barendra Unnayan Prochesta, Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association (BNWLA), Association for Community Development (ACD), Centre for Capacity Building and Voluntary Organization and Ladies Organisation for Social Welfare staged a post-rally street corner meeting at Shaheb Bazar Zero Point.