News Flash
DHAKA, Dec 13, 2025 (BSS) – Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus accorded a reception to the ‘Begum Rokeya Padak 2025’winners at the State Guest House Jamuna here this evening.
Dr Rubhana Rakib, Nabila Idris, Kalpana Akter and Ritu Parna Chakma won the prestigious award this year.
At the outset of the event, the ‘Begum Rokeya Padak’ recipients expressed concern over the attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, one of the leaders of the July Uprising-2024 and Spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha and a potential independent candidate from Dhaka-8 constituency, according to Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.
They urged the government to take strong action over the incident.
The award winners said they are excited in receiving the award from the Chief Adviser, but the incident that occurred on Friday had left them distressed.
They told the Chief Adviser that it is necessary to enhance the unity among political parties and the people for holding the upcoming general election.
About the attack on Hadi, Prof Yunus said the attack was carried out in a pre-planned manner.
“I am maintaining regular contact with the family and taking updates on Hadi’s treatment. I have also spoken with political parties, and they are extending their cooperation in this regard,” he said.
The Chief Adviser enquired individually about each award recipient’s workplace and other engagements.
Kalpana Akter, who got the award in women’s rights (labour rights) category, especially thanked the Chief Adviser for bringing amendments to the labour law and ratifying International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions.
“The amendment to the labour law and ratifying the ILO conventions are two historic steps. Thank you for accomplishing these within such a short time,” she said.
Kalpana said that during the previous regime, she had been harassed through cases filed against her. “A total of 14 cases were filed against me. I have been accused in unrealistic incidents like the theft of spectacles from Navana Tower in Gulshan,” she added.
Earlier no one could have imagined that someone working on trade unions and labour rights would receive the Begum Rokeya Award, she said and thanked the interim government for this recognition.
In response, the Chief Adviser said, “Kalpana Akter is a strong woman who always speaks for what is right. She is respected worldwide”.
After the Rana Plaza tragedy, necessary steps were supposed to be taken, but none were done, he said, adding, “Labour rights and ILO conventions were among my priorities. I tried to do as much as possible.”
He enquired about various issues including workers' salaries and working environment and discussed the implementation of labour laws from Kalpana Aktar.
The Chief Adviser also enquired about the overall situation of ICDDR,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh) from its researcher Dr Rubhana Rakib.
After the cessation of foreign aid, ICDDR,b and the Rohingyas have been the most affected, he said, adding that the government is continuing discussions on the matter.
Prof Yunus also inquired about the overall condition of the National Women’s Football Team from footballer Ritu Parna Chakma.
He asked about accommodation, food, practice arrangements, and the induction of new players and their performance.
“All people of the country are fans of you (women’s football team). Many boys and girls follow you. We are happy to honour you. Honouring you means inspiring those who follow you as well. We want our children to be more inspired,” the Chief Adviser said.
Praising Nabila Idris, who got the Begum Rokeya Award in the human rights category, the Chief Adviser said, “From the beginning, you have been praised for your determination. You have instilled courage among the people and raised awareness among many people about human rights”.
“I hope your struggle may remain steadfast in the days to come,” he added.
Nabila thanked the Chief Adviser especially for initiating the trial process of enforced disappearances.
The current state of investigation and justice has reached a historic stage, she said, adding, “Without you, we couldn’t see the trials of the enforced disappearances and the July massacre.”
At the event, Prof Yunus presented his book, “Beltoil Gramer Jorimon, O Anyannora”, to the four award winners. The book depicts the economic struggles and lifestyle of rural women.
Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid, Principal Coordinator (SDG) and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed and Senior Secretary of the Women and Children Affairs Mamtaz Ahmed were present at the function.
