Secretary of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry Md Humayun Kabir Khandaker today called upon the women to build themselves as efficient citizens to cope up with the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) to help the country move towards its desired goals.
“We already have entered the 4IR era while the 5th IR is knocking the door. At this stage, the women should develop themselves as worthy citizens. Thus, the country will move towards its desired goal with the collective efforts of men and women,” he said.
The official made the remarks while addressing a discussion as the chief guest at Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) headquarters, marking the International Women’s Day.
Presided over by BSS Managing Director and Chief Editor Abul Kalam Azad, the discussion was also addressed by Managing Editor Anisur Rahman, Chief News Editor Samir Kanti Barua, Chief News editor (Bangla) Ruhul Ghani Jyoti and City Editor Madhusudan Mondal, among others.
Due to the patriarchal social system, women were left behind in the past, Kabir said, adding, “The government now wants to bring women forward from that place. So, they (women) should utilize this opportunity”.
Urging all to grow up as ‘Smart citizens’ in the challenging time of the 4IR, he said it is not only the government's responsibility to make the people ‘smart citizens’, it is also the responsibility of every citizen of the country to build himself or herself as a qualified citizen.
Since the world is moving towards automation, the secretary said, those who can’t keep pace with the new developments will be left behind.
He urged journalists to convey this message to every level of society.
“As well-educated people, we should respect women, freedom fighters and senior citizens. If we could practice this, the aim of the women’s day will be successful. Every day should be women’s day, then the family, society and the country will be beautified,” Kabir said.
Speaking about the Month of Independence, he said the month of March is an important month both nationally and internationally as Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had made the call for independence on March 7 while the International Women’s Day is in March, March 17 is the birthday of Bangabandhu and March 26 is the Independence Day of Bangladesh.
“We should give an extra importance to this month (March),” the secretary said.
Speaking at the discussion, Abul Kalam Azad said women have marched much forward in the current society with their abilities as the government has taken multifaceted initiatives to empower them.
“Our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has established herself as one of the world leaders today with her foresight, skills and competence,” he said.
Azad added: “As conscious people of society, we should respect women in family as well as in society. We should treat women not as women, but as human beings. Only then it will be possible to build a developed, prosperous and smart Bangladesh”.
BSS Special Correspondent Mahfuza Jasmine conducted the discussion while News Editor Nure Jannat Akter Sima, Senior Reporter Selina Sheuli and Senior Sub-Editor Rokshana Yesmin Tithi spoke at the event.
Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)