Begum Rokeya Day observed

Syeda Zebunnesa Haq, second from left, and Prof Mahfuza Khanam, right, stand with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after receiving Begum Rokeya Award 2012 yesterday. State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, left, was also present at the award distribution programme held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital. Photo: BSS

With a call for social movement to stop violence against women, women rights and social organisations observed Begum Rokeya Day, marking Begum Rokeya's 132nd birth and 80th death anniversaries, in the capital and Chittagong yesterday.
A rally led by Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique was brought out from Rokeya Hall which was participated by the hall Provost Prof Dr Nazma Shahin and the resident students.
Biplobi Nari Shanghati held a demonstration and rally before the hall demanding exemplary punishment to those responsible for the deaths in the November 24 Ashulia garment factory fire.
Speakers at a discussion, organised by Bangladesh Nari Mukti Andolon at its Lalmatia office, said Begum Rokeya spearheaded the women's rights movement and fought a lifelong battle to ensure Bangalee women's access to education.
National Democratic League also organised a discussion at its Kalyanpur office.
In Chittagong, Bangla-desh Nari Pragati Sangha organised a procession and discussion at DC Hill premises.