Dhaka: Pairaband village, known as the birthplace of Begum Rokeya, a noted woman philosopher, writer, educationist, social activist, and advocate for women’s rights, turned festive as it marked Rokeya Day-2025. Today, hundreds of individuals from various backgrounds gathered in Pairaband to honor and pay homage to this influential figure, transforming the village into a beacon of inspiration for women’s progress.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Begum Rokeya dedicated her life to establishing women’s rights, freedom, education, empowerment, and economic emancipation, sparking a significant women’s renaissance during the conservative British-ruled colonial era. Born in Pairaband, Rangpur district on December 9, 1880, and passing away on the same day in 1932 in Kolkata, her legacy continues to be celebrated. Since 1994, her birth and death anniversaries have been officially recognized as Rokeya Day in her birthplace.
The Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the district administration are organizing a three-day event to observe Rokeya Day-2025 at Pairaband in Mithapukur upazila of Rangpur. Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) is also participating with daylong events. This year, the celebration is particularly significant due to a Memorandum of Understanding signed between BRUR and Bangla Academy to transfer the management of Begum Rokeya Smritikendra in Pairaband to BRUR.
Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Enamul Ahsan inaugurated the three-day programs by placing wreaths at Begum Rokeya Smritistambha, hoisting the national flag, and opening the Rokeya Fair-2025. The inaugural day featured milad mehfil, prayers, blood donation, blood group tests, documentary screenings, discussions, and a drama performance by ‘Kompon Shilpi Gosthi’.
On December 10, the program will include drawing, poem recitation, essay writing, and debate competitions for school students, alongside documentary screenings on women empowerment and a cultural evening. The final day, December 11, will feature the last rounds of debate competitions, discussions on ‘Begum Rokeya’s Thoughts and Current Perspectives on Women’s Progress’, prize distributions, and cultural events.
Divisional Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam will be the chief guest at the closing ceremony. The Deputy Commissioner, Rangpur Range DIG Aminul Islam, Associate of the History and Archaeology Department of BRUR Dr Md Moniruzzaman, and Mithapukur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Parvez will attend as special guests.
Talking to BSS, BRUR Vice-chancellor Professor Dr Md Showkat Ali emphasized Begum Rokeya’s pivotal role in the awakening of Bengali women. She was a beacon of liberation and hope, dedicating her talents to women’s development in the 20th century. She was instrumental in establishing schools and associations for women.
Professor of the Bengali Department of BRUR Dr Tuhin Wadud highlighted Begum Rokeya’s significant contributions, asserting that women today have advanced in education, politics, and business, thanks to her pioneering efforts. He stressed the need for ongoing initiatives to preserve her memory and fulfill her vision for women’s true development and dignity.