Khaleda Zia a pioneer of women empowerment in Bangladesh: Khosru

Khaleda Zia is a pioneer of women's empowerment in Bangladesh, said BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Friday.

“Begum Zia had proved that a woman can become the prime minister and lead a movement against an autocratic regime, as she had been elected the first PM of Bangladesh after a successful movement against autocrat HM Earshad in 1991,” Khosru said.

He said this while addressing a rally organised by Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal in front of BNP’s central office at Nayapalton on Friday, marking International Women’s Day, UNB reports.

By prioritising the women affairs ministry during her first tenure, Khaleda Zia confirmed the recruitment of women in every sector of the government, Khosru added.

He said Khaled Zia had taken initiatives to financially empower women by creating employment opportunities through farming ducks, hens, goats, etc. and encouraging financial institutions such as banks to give them loans. 

“If we want the actual empowerment of women, we should give them the freedom to choose their way,” he said.

Nowadays, it is seen that women are being harassed everywhere and every day, and in most cases, by ruling party cadres, the BNP leader alleged.

Those who are working for women’s rights are not raising their voices against the harassment as they gear up for an autocratic regime, he said. 

Amir Khosru said that no one is getting justice as almost all sectors are occupied by Awami League (AL) men who have established the culture of fear.

There are no rights for people, including women, in the country, said the BNP leader.

Women’s rights will be established when people’s basic rights, like the right to vote, are secured, Khosru said.

“Now it’s time to fight unitedly to restore the rights of people, including those of women,” he added.