Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, March 8, 2026 (BSS)- Various government and non-government development organisations observed the International Women's Day-2026 befittingly here today 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 2026, "Give To Gain," highlights the importance of generosity, collaboration, and investing in women to foster shared progress and gender equality.
 
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. 
 
DC Afia Akhter addressed the meeting as chief guest, while Deputy Director of the Department of Women Affairs Sharmin Shapla was in the chair.

Among others, Additional Deputy Commissioner Sabur Ali, Additional Superintendent of Police Helena Akhter, and Medical Officer of the Civil Surgeon’s Office Dr. Tamanna Kabir also spoke at the event.

Officials and staff from various government and non-government organizations, NGO representatives, trainees, and media personnel were present.

DC Afia Akhter said that often those who deserve the most respect are the ones society tries to disrespect. 

She noted that women have been granted dignity by the Creator, by society, and by every religion. Yet, attempts are frequently made to dishonor women in different spheres of life. 

“We have our own dignity; we will not beg to anyone for respect. We will perform our duties and establish our dignity through our conduct,” she said.
 
Earlier, a rally was brought out from the Deputy Commissioner’s office premises. The rally marched through important roads of the city before ending at the same place.
 
At the end of the event, sewing machines were distributed among the trainees.

A rally and a human chain were held from Alupatti intersection in the city and ended at Saheb Bazar Zero Point on the occasion of the day. Later, a human chain was organized there by various organizations.

Speakers at the human chain said that equal representation of women in politics and elections must be ensured to guarantee the rights and justice of women and girls. 

The main goal of observing this day is to show respect for the achievements of all women—regardless of race, religion, caste, language, ethnic identity, or political, social and economic status—and to ensure equal rights and human rights for everyone without any division or discrimination.

International Women’s Day was celebrated through a discussion meeting and cultural event at Nabaibottola Mission in Deopara Union of Godagari Upazila, highlighting the contributions and rights of indigenous women farmers.
 
The event was organized by the Association for Community Development (ACD) under the “Cultivating Change” project of Oxfam in Bangladesh.

Indigenous women and men, community leaders, farmer representatives, and government officials participated in the program. 

Under the facilitation of Project Coordinator Subrata Kumar Paul, the speakers included Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer Atanu Sarkar, Father Lincoln Kosta of the local church, and indigenous women farmers Agatha Soren, Sujla Hasda, Adori Mardi, Rozina Hembrom, Kajoli Lakra, among others.
 
Speakers emphasized that indigenous women farmers play a vital role in agricultural production, seed preservation, crop management, and ensuring household food security. They are also adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices using their local knowledge and traditional experience to cope with climate change.