Rajshahi: Various government and non-government development organisations observed International Women’s Day 2026 befittingly in Rajshahi today, with a unified call for freeing women from all sorts of violence, disparity, and discrimination to aid the overall development of the nation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the theme for International Women’s Day 2026, “Give To Gain,” underscores the significance of generosity, collaboration, and investing in women to foster shared progress and gender equality. To mark the occasion, the district administration and the Department of Women Affairs organized a post-rally discussion at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall in Rajshahi city.
Deputy Commissioner Afia Akhter served as the chief guest at the meeting, while Deputy Director of the Department of Women Affairs, Sharmin Shapla, presided over the event. Additional Deputy Commissioner Sabur Ali, Additional Superintendent of Police Helena Akhter, and Medical Officer Dr. Tamanna Kabir also addressed the gathering. The event was attended by officials, NGO representatives, trainees, and media personnel.
During her speech, DC Afia Akhter emphasized that those deserving of respect are often the ones society disregards. She highlighted that women have been granted dignity by the Creator, society, and every religion, yet attempts are frequently made to dishonor them in various life spheres. She asserted, “We have our own dignity; we will not beg anyone for respect. We will perform our duties and establish our dignity through our conduct.”
The day’s events included a rally from the Deputy Commissioner’s office, which proceeded through major city roads before returning to its starting point. Sewing machines were distributed among trainees at the conclusion of the event.
Additionally, a rally and human chain were organized from Alupatti intersection to Saheb Bazar Zero Point. Various organizations held a human chain to advocate for equal representation of women in politics and elections, which speakers argued is essential to guaranteeing the rights and justice of women and girls.
The observance of International Women’s Day aims to honor the achievements of all women, regardless of race, religion, caste, language, ethnic identity, or socio-economic status, and to ensure equal rights and human rights for all without division or discrimination.
In Godagari Upazila, International Women’s Day was celebrated with a discussion meeting and cultural event at Nabaibottola Mission, focusing on the contributions and rights of indigenous women farmers. The Association for Community Development (ACD) organized the event under Oxfam’s ‘Cultivating Change’ project in Bangladesh, with participation from indigenous women and men, community leaders, farmer representatives, and government officials.
Project Coordinator Subrata Kumar Paul facilitated the program, which included speeches from Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer Atanu Sarkar, Father Lincoln Kosta, and indigenous women farmers. The speakers highlighted the pivotal role indigenous women farmers play in agricultural production, seed preservation, crop management, and ensuring household food security, as well as their adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices to address climate change challenges.