News Flash
DHAKA, July 21, 2026 (BSS) - French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet paid a courtesy call on Minister for Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain at the ministry in Dhaka today.
The two sides discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation on women’s empowerment, child welfare and social development, according to a ministry press release.
The meeting focused on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including women's rights, sustainable development for women and children, prevention of child marriage, the Family Card programme, MCBP, the Mid-Day Meal initiative, and counter-terrorism cooperation.
The minister described France as a trusted and longstanding development partner of Bangladesh and expressed appreciation for France’s continued support since Bangladesh's independence.
He said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is prioritising women's rights by issuing Family Cards in women's names as part of its broader gender policy.
Zahid also highlighted the government's initiatives to make education for women free up to the undergraduate level, which has contributed to higher female enrolment and greater participation of women in the workforce.
To support working mothers, he said, the government is expanding day-care centres across the country.
Ambassador Séré-Charlet praised Bangladesh's initiatives to promote women's empowerment, gender equality and child protection, describing programmes such as the Family Card scheme and economic empowerment initiatives for marginalised women as significant contributions towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The ambassador also assured France's continued technical and development cooperation in areas including women's skills development, vocational training and building climate-resilient communities.
During the meeting, the minister sought France's support in creating employment opportunities for trained Bangladeshi women caregivers in France and expanding the export of handicraft products made by Bangladeshi women.
The French ambassador responded positively to the proposals.
At the end of the meeting, Ambassador Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet invited the minister to participate in the Feminist Foreign Policy Conference, scheduled to be held in September.
