PM Hasina distributes "Bangamata Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib Padak-2022" to 5 women

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday distributed "Bangamata Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib Padak-2022" to five distinguished women for their outstanding contributions to various fields marking the 92nd birth anniversary of the wife of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

She virtually joined the award distribution ceremony as the chief guest from her official residence Ganabhaban.

Ministry of Women and Cultural Affairs organized the function at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka.

Five women who received the Padak, the highest state honour for women, are Syeda Jebunnesa Haque (Sylhet) in politics, lawmaker Selima Ahmad (Comilla) in economics, Dhaka University's former pro vice chancellor Nasreen Ahmad in education, Mst Achhia Alam (Kishoreganj) in social service and valiant freedom fighter of Gopalganj district Ashalata Baidya (commander during the Liberation War) in independence and Liberation War.

Each of the recipients got a medal made of 40gm of 18-carat gold, a cheque of Tk400,000 and a certificate of honour.

On behalf of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Fazilatun Nessa Indira handed over the Padak introduced last year.

With the state minister in the chair, Women and Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Hasanuzzaman Kallol addressed the program, while eminent writer Anwara Syed Haq delivered the keynote speech.

Jatiyo Mohila Sangstha Chairman Begum Chemon Ara Tayab also spoke at the function.

On behalf of the Padak recipients, Syeda Zebunnesa Haque spoke at the ceremony expressing her feelings.

A documentary on the life and works of Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Renu, mother of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was also screened at the function.

Bangamata was born on August 8 in 1930 at Tungipara village in Gopalganj. She was killed brutally along with Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family members on the night of August 15 in 1975.

The birthday of Bangamata is being observed across the country in a befitting manner.

Alongside the government, various political and socio-cultural organizations have chalked out elaborate programs that included discussions to observe the day. 

Wreaths were placed at her grave in the city's Banani area Monday morning.

President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages on the eve of the 92nd birth anniversary of Bangamata.

State-owned Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar in addition to other electronic media are broadcasting special programs to mark the day.

Marking the birth anniversary of Bangamata, financial assistance of Tk50,00,000 lakh is being distributed among 2,500 insolvent women. 

Each of the women is getting Tk2,000. 

Of the total amount, Tk130,000 is being distributed among the women of flood-hit districts, Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj and Netrokona. 

Besides, a total of 4,500 sewing machines are being distributed across the country.

Dhaka Tribune