Social Welfare, Women and Children Affairs adviser Sharmeen S Murshid spoke at the Cosmopolitan Club in the capital's Baridhara today. Photo: PID

DHAKA, April 12, 2025 (BSS) - Social Welfare, Women and Children Affairs adviser Sharmeen S Murshid today said a new Bangladesh has emerged driven by the energy and determination of the youth in standing up against oppression, injustice, and corruption under the previous fascist regime.

She made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the Eid Reunion and New Year Festival-2025, organized by the Women Entrepreneurs Association at the Cosmopolitan Club in the capital's Baridhara, said a press release.

Sharmeen S Murshid highlighted that since the interim government, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, took charge, and efforts have been ongoing to rebuild the country and uplift the nation.

She highlighted how out of touch the former fascist regime had grown with the people, which ultimately ignited the historic July uprising.

She noted that women played a prominent role during the July uprising just as they had during the 1971 Liberation War.

With Shizan Khan, President of the association in the chair, Farzana Khan, Deputy Managing Director of the SME Foundation and Salma Khaled, President of the Gulshan Ladies Community Club, also spoke.

Reflecting on the youth-driven July movement, the adviser recalled the powerful rallying cry: "No quota, victory of merit" which embodied the determination of a generation standing up against corruption, misrule, injustice and exploitation.

"If the political culture of this country remains unchanged, the youth will rise once more. And when they do it, nothing will stand in their way. The youth of Bangla don't fear death," she added.

She called on current leaders and officials to never forget their responsibility to the nation and its people, especially those young souls who sacrificed their lives for justice and change.

Sharmin S Murshid also announced new initiatives under the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs and the Ministry of Social Welfare to empower five million girls through vocational training.

These programs will cover sewing, handicrafts, and scientific and mental development, aiming to build a self-reliant generation.