3-day programme to observe Rokeya Day

A three-day programme began yesterday, marking the 137th birth and 85th death anniversary of Begum Rokeya, a pioneer of women rights in the subcontinent, at Pairaband village in Mithapukur upazila.

Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Kazi Hasan Ahmed inaugurated the three-day programme as the chief guest.

Marking the day, a three-day long fair also kicked-off at her birthplace.

Besides, some other social-cultural organisations like Begum Rokeya Forum, Begum Rokeya Smriti Sangsad, Begum Rokeya University and Rangpur Begum Rokeya College took different programmes that included cultural programme, discussion, painting competition and blood donation.  

Abdullah Al Faruk, deputy director of Begum Rokeya Smriti Kendra, said during her life span Begum Rokeya could not see any educational institutions in her locality, but her ideology in enlightening males and females must be properly cultured in order to attain her vision.

Born on December 9, 1880, Begum Rokeya Shakhawat Hossain, a persistent advocate for female education in the country, also passed away the same day in 1932.