Begum Rokeya Padak 2025 celebrates women who inspire change
In a land where brave voices have traced this path toward gender parity, the Begum Rokeya Padak 2025 once more stood as a potent signpost of how far Bangladesh has come ― and how much further it hopes to go.
In a distinguished ceremony at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium, Dhaka Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus bestowed the country’s highest state award for women to four outstanding individuals whose work has propelled women’s education, rights, dignity, and empowerment.
Four Women, Four Fields of Change
The 2025 recipients span a range of fields, all dedicated to making the world a better place.
Dr Rubhana Rakib, a doctor and scientist, received the Women’s Education (Research) award for advancing knowledge and policy in women’s education.
Labour activist Kalpana Akter won the prize in the Women’s Rights (labour) category for her ongoing campaigning for garment workers and labour rights.
The Human Rights section winner was Dr Nabila Idris, a veteran campaigner for rights, who has spent several years campaigning for dignity, justice, and equality for excluded communities.
Ritu Porna Chakma, a Bangladesh Women’s National Football Team player, earned recognition in the Women’s Awakening (Sports) category, representing women defying stereotypes while empowering girls nationwide to do so.
Every awardee’s story symbolises the changing face of women’s leadership in Bangladesh – one based on bravery, tenacity, and purpose.
A Day for Thinking and Revelry
The programme was organised by the Women and Children Affairs Ministry on the occasion of Begum Rokeya Day 2025, marking the 145th birth anniversary and the 93rd death anniversary of Begum Rokeya SakhawatHossain —the trailblazing writer, educationist and social reformer who planted the intellectual seeds for women’s emancipation in Bengal.
Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid chaired the event. Advisers of the interim government, distinguished persons and relatives of the awardees were also present. The welcome address was presented by Senior Secretary Mamtaz Ahmed, striking the note for the program, when faith and determination combine.
A cultural segment complemented the event, featuring a documentary titled Ami-e Rokeya or Me and Rokeya, which resurrected Begum Rokeya’s lifelong fight for women’s education and her brave stand against child marriage and social injustice.
Power through Education
But beneath the cheers and applause lay a stark message — that education remains the cornerstone of women’s rights and empowerment.
Backed by speeches, visuals and performances, the programme explored how the ideals of Begum Rokeya are still alive and strong in contemporary Bangladesh – pushing things forward in areas such as education, sports, labour, and human rights.
As the Chief Adviser presented the medals, this modest ceremony was a quiet affirmation of a national truth. There is no progress that all our citizens can share and benefit from, except through both policy and individuals who take on norms and open doors for others.
A Legacy continues.
The Begum Rokeya Padak is not just an award; it’s an intergenerational bridge. Through recognising the changemakers of today in memory of the pioneers from yesterday, Bangladesh reaffirms its dedication to a future where women’s voices are supported, valued, and empowered.
To honour these four women is to celebrate the spirit of Begum Rokeya herself – still inspiring, still leading us, and teaching us that progress starts with education, with courage.