Khulna: International Women’s Day was observed in Khulna today with various programmes including colourful rallies and discussion meetings. The programmes were jointly organised by the Khulna district administration, the Department of Women Affairs, and the Jatiya Mohila Sangstha with the support of development partner organisations.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a discussion meeting took place at the conference room of the deputy commissioner’s office in the morning to mark the day under the theme ‘Today’s Steps for Gender Equality: Securing the Rights of Women and Girls’. Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md Mokhtar Ahmed addressed the meeting as the chief guest, emphasizing that there is no scope to neglect women and highlighting the need for a supportive working environment for them. He suggested the establishment of comfort rooms at workplaces to ensure safety and convenience for female employees.
Deputy Commissioner of Khulna A S M Jamshed Khondoker presided over the meeting. Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Kaniz Fatema Liza and Executive Director of the NGO MASAS Advocate Shamima Sultana Shilu also spoke at the function. Deputy Director (in-charge) of the Department of Women Affairs Suraiya Siddika delivered the welcome address. Officials from various government departments and representatives of women’s organisations were present at the event.
The day’s programme was inaugurated by the chief guest at the Khulna Collectorate premises, followed by a colourful rally led by Divisional Commissioner Md Mokhtar Ahmed. The rally, which included members of women’s organisations and people from different professions, began at Shaheed Hadis Park and paraded through various roads before concluding at the Collectorate premises.
Meanwhile, the Social Development Foundation (SDF), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Finance, observed the day distinctively at Phultala upazila of Khulna with the cooperation of the upazila administration. Around 100 women in symbolic purple saris and 50 men in purple panjabis joined a rally carrying 52 types of placards, banners, and festoons, marking the 52nd observance of the day. Phultala Upazila Nirbahi Officer Suchi Rani Saha attended the programme as the chief guest, while Upazila Women Affairs Officer Rina Majumdar presided over the function. The event was attended by SDF district livelihood officer Tasrin Zaman, other officials of the upazila administration, and around 250 women members.
The programme attracted a large gathering of local people. Besides Phultala, the Social Development Foundation also observed International Women’s Day in collaboration with programmes organised by the Khulna district administration and in Paikgachha upazila.