President Md. Sahabuddin stated that the late President Ziaur Rahman, who declared Bangladesh’s independence, laid the foundation for women’s political and economic empowerment. He said this on Sunday, March 8, at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka during the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs’ International Women’s Day 2026 program. The president added that Begum Khaleda Zia strengthened and modernized this foundation through her leadership.

He highlighted Khaleda Zia’s initiatives to expand women’s education, which earned national and international recognition. The president also mentioned various programs of the BNP government, including the Family Card initiative, aimed at protecting women’s rights and promoting empowerment. He urged all to work together to continue these efforts.

President Sahabuddin announced that the government’s Family Card program, designed to empower economically disadvantaged women and promote household self-reliance, will begin on March 10. He emphasized that women contribute about 16 percent to the country’s GDP and play vital roles across all sectors. Ensuring women’s safety at home and in public, he said, is essential for sustainable development.