Foreign diplomats applaud Bangladesh’s proactive policy of women empowerment

Foreign diplomats applauded Bangladesh's proactive policy of women empowerment, while also calling for continuing efforts that are imperative for sustainable development.

Creating opportunities for the women and girls to bloom to their full is good for the society and economy, they said.

The comments came at an event organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) on the occasion of International Women's Day at the Foreign Service Academy today.

Lauding Bangladesh's efforts of women empowerment, Swedish Ambassador Alexandra Berg von Linde said civil society plays a central part in continuing to challenge gender norms, promote social justice and female representation and participation in decision-making.

"We need to continue our joint efforts to achieve gender equality... It is good for society. It is good for economic growth. And It is good for sustainable development," said Ambassador Linde.

"Every day is women's day. Every day we need to work for equality."

Swiss Ambassador Nathalie Chuard said, "As the world is trying to pivot towards a Covid-19 recovery, we must pay utmost attention to gender equality. And we have to do better to ensure that no one in our societies is left behind."

Addressing as chief guest, Secretary (East) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mashfee Binte Shams said women have every right to expect equal treatment and the constitution gave them the right.

She said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman gave the constitution, which says everybody in this country will have the equal right regardless of gender.

"So, it is everybody's duty to ensure that we follow and respect our constitution."

Additional Foreign Secretary and Rector of FSA Asad Alam Siam, foreign ministry's Chief of Protocol M Amanul Haq, Director General (Public Diplomacy wing) Mohammad Harun Al Rashid and DG (Consular & Welfare Wing) Seheli Sabrin, DCAB President Rezaul Karim Lotus also spoke at the event moderated by journalist Israt Jahan Urmi.