Tarique Rahman, the Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has offered profound tribute to Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain on the occasion of her 145th birth anniversary and 93rd death anniversary.
He stated that Begum Rokeya's life and ideals are a source of enduring motivation, and will continue to inspire and encourage women across generations.
In a post on his verified Facebook page, Tarique Rahman wrote,
"On the occasion of the birth and death anniversaries of Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, I pay deep reverence to her memory and pray for the salvation of her departed soul.
Though Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain grew up in a conservative family environment, she became a leading pioneer of that time—a torchbearer of women’s awakening. She realized the backwardness of women in society through the realities of her own life. She understood from the depth of her heart that education is the foundation of a woman’s self-esteem.
Begum Rokeya prioritized the expansion of women's education, believing it made the expression of personality possible. She first took the initiative to enlighten the particularly backward Muslim women of this country with the light of education.
And while carrying the message of women's liberation, she had to face intense attacks from the rigid conservatives of society. Despite this, she remained steadfast, indomitable, and unwavering in her duty.
Through her incisive writings, Begum Rokeya struck at the root of society's unjust and discriminatory behavior towards women. She placed the need for women to maintain their autonomy and self-respect at the core of life—in family, society and the economy.
For this, she believed that women needed to be educated with proper schooling. She built a social movement to make women self-reliant, despite hundreds of barriers posed by dogmatism and narrow-mindedness.
Fundamentally, the heart of Begum Rokeya's pronouncements is the true freedom of women. I believe her active life and ideals will further inspire and motivate the women's community.
Allah Hafez, Bangladesh Zindabad."
