Adviser to the Ministries of Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs, Sharmeen S Murshid, spoke at a programme held in Gulshan today. Photo : PID

DHAKA, Jan 13, 2026 (BSS) - Adviser to the Ministries of Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Sharmeen S Murshid has said that although women and children are the most important segment of society, in reality they remain the most vulnerable, making it imperative to ensure their citizen rights. 

She made the remarks while addressing as the chief guest at the "Citizen Expansion Celebration" programme held on Monday night at Lakeshore Hotel in the capital's Gulshan area. 

The adviser said Bangladesh, a country of more than 160 million people, has achieved remarkable socio-economic progress over the past decade, but significant challenges still persist in governance, human rights and gender equality. 

She noted that these challenges are creating obstacles to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG-5 on gender equality and women's empowerment and SDG-16 on building just, peaceful and inclusive societies, stressing the need for greater attention and coordinated efforts. 

Sharmeen Murshid said, "Citizenship is not merely a legal identity; it is a symbol of dignity, rights and opportunity. For women and children especially, recognition of citizenship opens doors to education, healthcare, security and social inclusion."

She reiterated that ensuring citizen rights of women and children is the need of the hour and emphasized that all citizenship-related initiatives must prioritize women and children.

Highlighting the vision of the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, she said, "Our goal is to ensure that no woman or child is deprived of education, healthcare or social protection due to lack of identity." 

She added, "Through this project, we are focusing on delivering services at the local level, expanding digital inclusion and strengthening public awareness."

Expressing optimism that sustainable development is possible only through women's empowerment and child protection, she said that coordinated efforts of the government, non-government organizations and communities in implementing citizen related projects would help build a humane and inclusive society. 

In this context, she described the "Citizenship: Civic Engagement Fund (CEF)" as a timely and strategic initiative.

She said the initiative aims to activate civil society and build accountable and effective relationships with the government on key social issues.

Speaking as special guests at the programme were High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh Ajit Singh and Ambassador of Switzerland Reto Renggli. Also addressing the event were Executive Director of Manusher Jonno Foundation Shaheen Anam, Director General of the Department of Women Affairs Jinat Ara and Director of the NGO Affairs Bureau Dr KM Mamun Uzzaman.