Prime Minister Tarique Rahman extended heartfelt greetings and congratulations to all women around the world on the occasion of International Women’s Day, observed on Saturday, March 7, 2026. In his message, he emphasized that sustainable national development is only possible when women’s rights, education, health, safety, and participation are ensured. He described this year’s theme, “Today’s steps, tomorrow’s justice—protect the rights of women and girls,” as highly significant, noting that women make up nearly half of the global population.

The Prime Minister highlighted the historical contributions of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia to women’s political and economic empowerment, including the establishment of the Women’s Affairs Department in 1976 and the creation of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs in 1994. He also mentioned initiatives such as free education for girls up to grade twelve and the current government’s “Family Card” program to strengthen women’s economic empowerment.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring women’s participation in education, economy, health, and politics, and stressed strict measures against cyberbullying and online harassment to guarantee women’s safety.