Photo : BSS

KHULNA, Mar 8, 2026 (BSS) - International Women’s Day was observed in Khulna today with various programmes including colourful rallies and discussion meetings.

The programmes were jointly organised by the Khulna district administration, the Department of Women Affairs and the Jatiya Mohila Sangstha with the support of development partner organisations.

A discussion meeting was held at the conference room of the deputy commissioner’s office in the morning marking the day with the theme “Today’s Steps for Gender Equality: Securing the Rights of Women and Girls”.

Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md Mokhtar Ahmed addressed the meeting as the chief guest.

In his speech, the chief guest said there is no scope to neglect women. Like the rest of the world, Bangladesh observes International Women’s Day every year with due respect and importance.

Ensuring proper evaluation of women’s labour is also the responsibility of all, he added.

The divisional commissioner also emphasised the need for ensuring a supportive working environment for women, suggesting the establishment of comfort rooms at workplaces so that female employees can perform their duties with safety and convenience.

Deputy Commissioner of Khulna A S M Jamshed Khondoker presided over the meeting.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Kaniz Fatema Liza and Executive Director of the NGO MASAS Advocate Shamima Sultana Shilu also spoke at the function.

Deputy Director (in-charge) of the Department of Women Affairs Suraiya Siddika delivered the welcome address.

Officials from various government departments and representatives of women’s organisations were present at the event.

Earlier, the chief guest inaugurated the day’s programme at the Khulna Collectorate premises. 

A colourful rally led by Divisional Commissioner Md Mokhtar Ahmed started from Shaheed Hadis Park in the city in the morning and paraded different roads before ending at the Collectorate premises. 

Members of women’s organisations and people from different professions took part in the rally.

Meanwhile, the Social Development Foundation (SDF), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Finance, observed the day in a unique manner at Phultala upazila of Khulna with the cooperation of the upazila administration.

Around 100 women wearing the symbolic purple sari and 50 men in purple panjabi joined a rally carrying 52 types of placards, banners and festoons marking the 52nd observance of the day.

Phultala Upazila Nirbahi Officer Suchi Rani Saha attended the programme as the chief guest while Upazila Women Affairs Officer Rina Majumdar presided over the function.

Among others, SDF district livelihood officer Tasrin Zaman and other officials of the upazila administration were present along with around 250 women members.

The programme drew a large gathering of local people. Besides Phultala, the Social Development Foundation also observed International Women’s Day in programmes organised by the Khulna district administration and in Paikgachha upazila.