A two-day long International Conference on ‘Gender, Social Justice and Sustainable Development: The Asian Perspective’ has begun on August 07, 2023 at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban Auditorium of Dhaka University (DU). DU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman presided over the inaugural session while Speaker of Bangladesh National Parliament Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury addressed it as the chief guest. Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Centre for Gender and Development Studies of DU has organized this event to mark the 93rd birth anniversary of Bangamata.

Chairman of National Human Rights Commission, Bangladesh Dr. Kamal Uddin Ahmed addressed the inaugural session as guest of honor and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences of DU Prof. Dr. Zia Rahman addressed it as special guest. Prof. Dr. Naila Kabeer of London School of Economics, UK delivered key-note speech. Director of Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Centre for Gender and Development Studies Prof. Dr. Tania Haque gave welcome address.

Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury paid glowing tribute to the memory of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib. She said, Bangamata was the source of all encouragement and inspiration of Father of the Nation as well as an icon for women in their political empowerment. She urged the women community to make themselves skilled human resources to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. Bangladesh has made significant progress in women empowerment under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, she mentioned. The present government has taken various measures to ensure gender equality, social justice and women empowerment, she added. All sorts of support and cooperation including financial assistance and training will be provided to women for bringing them under the mainstream of the development, she mentioned.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman urged the students to become change makers of the society by following the ideals of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib. Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Centre for Gender and Development Studies has been established at DU to materialize the dreams and philosophy of Bangamata, he pointed out. This Centre will play an effective role in ensuring gender equality in the society, he hoped.

(Md. Rafiqul Islam)

Deputy Director

Public Relations Office

University of Dhaka

A two-day long International Conference on ‘Gender, Social Justice and Sustainable Development: The Asian Perspective’ has begun on August 07, 2023 at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban Auditorium of Dhaka University. DU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman presided over the inaugural session while Speaker of Bangladesh National Parliament Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury addressed it as the chief guest. Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Centre for Gender and Development Studies of DU has organized this event to mark the 93rd birth anniversary of Bangamata. (Picture: DU PR Office)