United News of Bangladesh

The everyday struggle of working women unfolds amid piles of discarded plastic at a recycling yard in Kamrangirchar, where survival often outweighs safety and dignity. Women workers spend long hours sorting, cleaning and processing piles of discarded plastic inside the factories.

International Women’s Day is being observed in Bangladesh, as elsewhere across the globe, on Sunday, celebrating women’s achievements, raising awareness against bias and taking action for equality. The United Nations has been observing the day as International Women’s Day since 1975. The theme of day this year is- “GIVE TO GAIN”. Govt to operate women-dedicated BRTC buses Women’s safety, dignity key to true empowerment: Jamaat Leader “Give to Gain emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction; it is intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise,” the organisation said. International Women’s Day is observed every year on March 8 to celebrate the women’s movement and their struggle for equality. The day will be marked worldwide through various programmes highlighting the need for immediate action—not just discussions—to uphold women’s rights and dignity, while also celebrating their economic, political and social achievements. In Bangladesh, various programmes have been taken at the national level under the auspices of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs to observe the day. Different offices and organisations have also undertaken diverse initiatives to mark the occasion. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued separate messages greeting women across the world on the eve of the day. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman extended his warm greetings and congratulations to women worldwide. He said the government wants to build a Bangladesh where men and women will enjoy equal rights, stressing the need to ensure gender equality and equal opportunities for all citizens. Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private television channels will air special programmes, while newspapers will publish supplements highlighting the significance of the day.

Women leaders from different sectors on Friday stressed the need for stronger representation of women in leadership, responsible use of AI, integrating technology with the legal system and more inclusive media narratives to empower women and youth in Bangladesh. They shared their experiences and perspectives at a discussion on Women in Youth Leadership programme organised  in Dhaka to mark International Women’s Day. The programme was organised by National Business Chamber for Women, Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, (WICCI) in cooperation with Deshi Bhalobashi, an e-commerce platform promoting local products and initiatives. Executive Editor of United News of Bangladesh (UNB) and Founder and Managing Director of Solis Group Nahar Khan, Walton Group Director Tahmina Afrose, and Deputy Attorney General and Advocate of the Appellate Division Barrister Tasnuva Shelley spoke at the event. Mantasha Ahmed, founder president of the Association of Fashion Designers of Bangladesh, founder of SAARC Business Council, Bangladesh and founder of Deshi Bhalobashi, delivered the welcome address. The event was moderated by Sarah Kamal. Speaking at the event, Nahar Khan emphasised the critical role of the media in shaping public perception and amplifying the voices of women and young people. Media does not solely reflect reality; it also construct it, she said. “Media platforms are architects of narratives and storytelling. The editorial choices we make, who we quote, the topics we front-page, the language we use, and how we frame women in leadership positions play a crucial role in shaping public imagination of what women leadership looks like”  Nahar said. She noted that women leaders are often judged on issues unrelated to their professional capabilities. “When we consistently frame women leaders through the lens of their appearance, their tone, or their 'likability' rather than their policy positions and decisions, we shrink the public imagination of what leadership looks like” she said. Highlighting the need for diversity in newsrooms, Nahar Khan said greater representation of women in editorial decision-making roles is essential to ensure balanced and accurate storytelling. “What I've come to believe is that change doesn't start with individual coverage - it starts with who's in the room making editorial decisions,” she said. Responding to the responsibility journalists carry in representing youth voices accurately, she said youth representation in media coverage is critical. “Nearly two-thirds of Bangladesh’s population is under the age of 35, with a median age of around 26 or 27. That is not a future statistic - that is Bangladesh right now. If we are not representing the voices, ideas and experiences of young Bangladeshis, then journalism is not covering Bangladesh,” she said. Nahar Khan also pointed out that many young people are now receiving information through social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, making it important for credible media institutions to remain relevant and trustworthy. She said failing to engage with young audiences could create space for misinformation and disinformation. “The youth are not just the future—they are Bangladesh today. They are innovators, change-makers and leaders in sectors like startups, technology and industry,” she said. Advocate of the Appellate Division and Deputy Attorney General Barrister Tasnuva Shelley said the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) has created serious risks for women as the technology often reflects gender bias and is increasingly being misused for harassment and exploitation. Tasnuva said AI can be a powerful tool for both good and harmful purposes depending on how it is used. “Without responsible regulation, AI can amplify harm—through deepfakes, bias, and misinformation—disproportionately targeting women and young people and silencing their participation in public life,” she said.  She urged women to be cautious while sharing personal images or information online and stressed the importance of digital awareness and education. “The law can act after the damage is done, but once an incriminating image is already shared, the harm cannot be undone,” she said. Emphasising the need for proactive measures, Shelley said governments, institutions and citizens must work together to ensure ethical use of technology. Barrister Tasnuva said integrating technology with the legal system is crucial to improving access to justice.“True access to justice will be possible only when technology and law work together.” International Women's Day arrives with call to 'Accelerate Action' She stressed that legal technology must be adopted more widely, pointing out that many countries have already embraced such systems. Citing cybercrime cases as an example, she said nearly 90 percent of them are dismissed due to a lack of evidence, highlighting the urgent need for stronger digital systems and better evidence management. Director of Walton Group, Tahmina Afrose said women can succeed in any sector if they prioritise work, develop the right mindset and receive proper support and training. Tahmina said her professional life was strongly influenced by her surroundings, where family members and friends were highly work-oriented. “My family environment was such that whenever we sat together at the dinner table or attended any event, discussions were always about business. That environment shaped my mindset from an early age,” she said. She said her motivation to start working came when she realised the importance of financial independence. “At one point I saw my friends earning—some were teaching, some were doing different jobs. That made me feel I should also earn my own money. I did not want to depend on anyone for my personal expenses,” she added. Tahmina said her father encouraged her to begin working but also emphasised that success would depend on her own efforts. Inclusive AI can drive progress: Nahar Khan tells Global South Media Forum in Kunming “He told me he would support me but would not make my work easy. I had to do the work myself,” she said. She started her professional journey while studying at university, initially looking after a small department. “At that time I did not even have my own office room. I would just go to the office with my father and take care of a small department. That was the beginning of my journey,” she said. “I believe success depends largely on a person’s mindset and dedication to work. If someone receives opportunities but fails to perform, they cannot sustain that position for long,” she said. However, she acknowledged that environmental challenges still exist for women in certain sectors, particularly in large-scale manufacturing. Bangladesh’s economy is still largely manufacturing-based, and many women hesitate to enter sectors involving heavy operational work, she said. “In areas such as factory management, logistics, land acquisition or civil works, we rarely see female applicants. In many cases, 99 percent of the applicants are men,” she said. China-Bangladesh healthcare partnership entering a new era: Cosmos Health CEO Nahar Khan She noted that the absence of women in these operational roles creates a perception that such work cannot be done by women.“That mindset needs to change,” she added. Tahmina Afrose emphasised that improving training opportunities, workplace safety and support systems would encourage more women to participate in large industries. She also highlighted the need to change social perceptions about gender roles in work. “In rural areas, for example, we often see women doing intricate work like sewing quilts, but when it comes to professional tailoring or industrial work, it is mostly dominated by men. These perceptions need to evolve,” she added. The discussion concluded with a call for stronger collaboration among media, legal institutions, businesses and civil society to create an enabling environment where women and young people can participate more actively in leadership and decision-making. Speakers emphasised that empowering women requires not only policy reforms but also changes in social attitudes, institutional practices and media narratives. They also stressed the importance of responsible use of emerging technologies, inclusive storytelling and improved access to justice to ensure that women’s voices are heard and protected in an increasingly digital society. Marking International Women’s Day, participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing gender equality and creating opportunities for women and youth to contribute meaningfully to Bangladesh’s development.

To mark International Women’s Day, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Bangladesh on Wednesday organised an Open Mic event at Shahabuddin Park in the city’s Gulshan area to raise their voices for the rights, justice and empowerment of women and girls across the country. With the global theme “Rights, Justice, Action: For All Women and Girls,” the event created a public platform for women, girls, men and boys to share their reflections, commitments and aspirations for a more equal Bangladesh. Foreign Adviser lauds UNFPA’s role in maternal health, gender equity in Bangladesh Addressing the gathering, UNFPA Representative in Bangladesh Catherine Breen Kamkong thanked participants for their courage and engagement, emphasizing that meaningful change begins by listening to communities. “Policies and programmes are strongest when they reflect and are guided by real voices and lived experiences,” the UNFPA Representative said. “At UNFPA, we are committed to preventing violence against women and girls, ending child marriage, reducing adolescent pregnancy, ending preventable maternal deaths and ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health and rights. But sustainable progress requires collective action, and that starts with dialogue.” Bangladesh has made significant progress in advancing gender equality. However, challenges remain as violence against women continues to affect millions, child marriage persists as a reality for almost half of all adolescent girls, mothers still die in pregnancy and birth, and many women and girls still face barriers in exercising full agency over their health and life choices. “Many girls are still discouraged from studying technology and engineering, and too often they face cyber-bullying and online harassment. Initiatives like Alapon Helpline help adolescents to have a safe space to openly share their struggles, talk about mental health, and support each other. When young people feel heard, they find strength and hope to move forward,” said Farhana Sadika, a student at the United International University speaking at the Open Mic event about the challenges girls face in her community. The Open Mic event was held as part of UNFPA Bangladesh’s broader International Women’s Day campaign, which aims to highlight data, personal stories and community voices to drive action on women’s and girls’ rights.

Save the Children, in collaboration with various stakeholders, celebrated International Women’s Day 2025 in their local outpost, with the aim of Empowering Women for a Brighter Future. The celebration highlighted the importance of gender equality and the need for localized strategies to empower women, particularly those from marginalized communities. It brought together government officials, development partners, private sector representatives, NGOs, and women-led organizations to honor women's achievements and discuss strategies for their empowerment. The event included a flash mob articulating the collective effort to achieve gender equality by the Shobujer Ovijan Foundation, keynote presentations and discussions, and an award ceremony for the “Shaping Tomorrow: Women’s Empowerment Innovation Challenge”, recognizing outstanding contributions to women’s empowerment.  Speeches were given by the guest of honor - Andre Carstens, Charge D’Affaires, Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands in Bangladesh; and chief guest - Keya Khan,Director General of the Department of Women Affairs, Government of the Peoples’ Republic of Bangladesh.  The event also featured the award-giving ceremony for the “Shaping Tomorrow: Women’sEmpowerment Innovation Challenge”, recognizing 11 organizations and their outstanding contributions to women’s empowerment. Andre Carstens, Head of Mission, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh-, stated: “It's about fifty years since the UN adopted IWD, but back then, the day was already more than sixty years old. Similar movements for women's equality started more than a century ago. 2025 is pivotal as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This document is the most progressive and widely endorsed blueprint for women’s and girls’ rights worldwide. It transformed theagenda in terms of legal protection, access to services, youth engagement, and changes in social norms, stereotypes, and ideas stuck in the past."  This year’s theme, "Rights. Equality. Empowerment," calls for action that can unlock equal rights and opportunities for all. A future where no one is left behind. Central to this vision is empowering the next generation - particularly young women and adolescent girls - ascatalysts for lasting change. Keya Khan, Director General of the Department of Women Affairs, stated:“We are working very hard for women’s empowerment. Many government posts are working withdevelopment partners for their economic empowerment. Society blocks them when they try to access these services."  

On the eve of International Women’s Day, leading women’s rights campaigners at the United Nations and the African Union and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate criticized male-dominated governments Tuesday for excluding women from peace negotiations. They complained that governments are ignoring a U.N. resolution adopted in 2000 demanding equal participation for women in talks to end conflicts. Sima Bahous, head of the U.N. agency promoting gender equality, lamented “the regression in women’s rights.” She told the Security Council that “we have neither significantly changed the composition of peace tables, nor the impunity enjoyed by those who commit atrocities against women and girls.” Also Read: DigitALL: Role of tech in promoting gender equality highlighted this Women’s Day Bahous, executive director of UN Women, called for “a radical change of direction.” She said action should be taken to mandate the inclusion of women at every meeting and in every decision-making process, with consequences for non-compliance. And funds should be channeled to women’s groups in conflict-affected countries where the money is most needed, she said. The Security Council was assessing the state of the resolution it adopted on Oct. 31, 2000, that stresses the important role of women in preventing and resolving conflicts and demands their equal participation in all efforts to promote peace and security. It also calls on all parties to conflicts to protect women and girls from gender-based violence, especially rape and other forms of sexual abuse. Also Read: Loss due to women’s exclusion from digital world could grow to $1.5 trillion by 2025 without action: UN Chief Since the 20th anniversary of the resolution in 2020, Bahous said, Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers have imposed “gender apartheid” and war in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region reportedly led to sexual violence “at a staggering scale.” Coups in conflict-affected countries in Africa’s Sahel and Sudan to Myanmar have dramatically shrunk the civic space for women’s organizations and activists, she added. The U.N. Commission on the Status of Women began its annual two-week session Monday focusing on closing gender gaps in technology and innovation. It is also examining digital harassment and disinformation aimed at women that fosters violent misogyny. Bahous cited a recent study that says politically motivated online abuse of women within Myanmar and from the country increased at least fivefold after that country's February 2021 coup. “This mainly takes the form of sexualized threats and the release of home addresses, contact details, and personal photos or videos of women who had commented positively on groups opposing military rule in Myanmar,” she said. Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, addressed the gender-based violence aspect of the U.N. resolution, saying that “more than 100 armed conflicts are raging around the world” and hard-won gains toward gender equality are being reversed. “This is no coincidence,” she said. “As respect for gender equality declines, violence rises.” Egger said the Red Cross sees “the brutal impact” every day of “sexual violence at the hands of arms bearers at shocking levels.” Liberian peace activist Leymah Gbowee, who mobilized street protests against the brutality of the country’s long civil war and shared the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize, told the council that “it has been proven time and again that men do make war but are unable to make peace themselves.” “Sadly, the conversation is the same in 2023,” she said. “How do we discuss the issue of peace and security and leave out fifty percent of the population?” Gbowee said that as the U.N. resolution on women, peace and security approaches its 23rd anniversary “investment in its implementation is either stalled or slow.” Action plans submitted by governments are “a tool for politicians and political actors to window-dress women peace and security issues as they cover up for their failure" to advance women’s rights, she said. Gbowee called for women peace activists to be part of all peace missions, calling them “custodians of their communities.” “We will continue to search for peace in vain in our world unless we bring women to the table,” she warned. Bineta Diop, the African Union Commission chair’s special envoy on women, peace and security, said in a virtual briefing to the council that the current impact of armed conflict on women and girls “is precarious.” Diop cited kidnappings in the Sahel, rape, killing and maiming of young girls and boys in Congo, and atrocities in the Lake Chad Basin and in East Africa, including “an unprecedented rate of sexual violence.” “Unfortunately, while many women are engaged in the community and peacebuilding initiatives, their voice is yet to be heard in peace negotiations and mediation where roadmaps to return to peace are drawn,” she said. Diop said the African Union is helping to promote African women leaders who can sit at peace tables and to bring women from rival regions together, as just happened at a retreat in Pretoria, South Africa, for Ethiopian women.

International Women’s Day is being observed in the country today (march 08, 2023), as elsewhere across the globe, with focus on gender equality and empowerment of women. This year’s theme, ‘DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality’, highlights the role of innovative technology in promoting gender equality and meeting the health and development needs of women and girls. International Women’s Day is observed every year on March 8 to put focus on women’s ongoing struggle for equality. Also Read: Top 10 International Scholarships for Women to Study Abroad Different organizations have chalked out elaborate programmes, including rallies, discussions and cultural events, to mark the day. Bangladesh's President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages on the occasion. Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private television channels are airing special programmes while newspapers published supplements highlighting the significance of the day. Also Read: UN secretary-general says women’s right are under threat

Speakers at a function here on Tuesday laid emphasis on paying utmost attention to gender equality and keep talking on the barriers to ensure that no one is left behind. They highlighted the urgency of working together for equality everyday which is good for society and economic growth when everyone desires a more sustainable tomorrow. Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted the event at the Foreign Service Academy auditorium marking the International Women’s Day. Read:DCAB pays tribute to Bangabandhu at Dhanmondi 32 Secretary (East) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mashfee Binte Shams spoke as the chief guest at the event while Ambassador of Switzerland Nathalie Chuard and Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh Alexandra Berg von Linde spoke as special guests. Additional Foreign Secretary and Rector of FSA Asad Alam Siam, Chief of Protocol M Amanul Haq, Director General (Public Diplomacy wing) Mohammad Harun Al Rashid and DG (Consular & Welfare Wing) Seheli Sabrin, among others, joined the event.

Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden recognised women who have succeeded in both public and private professions to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2022. Radisson Blu Dhaka hosted International Women’s Day 2022-Women of Excellence, an awards series to honour the career-based accomplishments of female professionals in Bangladesh for the first time. Read:Speakers want more financial access to women for their empowerment With this initiative, Radisson Blu Dhaka has shown their commitment to #BreakTheBias, which is the theme for IWD 2022. At the event, a discussion panel was held with prominent women professionals of the country, who were honoured for their career achievements. Awardees included Rumana Chowdhury, Founder and Chief Designer of Warah, Sharmin Rinvi, President of the Economic Reporters Forum, and Nahid Osman, celebrity chef. The panel was moderated by Mahzabin Ferdous, Executive Director of Concito. The honorable panelists of the event were Sadia Haque, Founder of ShareTrip; Shimul Yousuf, actor, director and singer; Humaira Azam, Managing Director and CEO of Trust Bank Limited; Shwapna Bhowmick, Country Manager at Marks & Spencer; and Farida Yasmin, President of the National Press Club. Meanwhile, Md. Sharfuddin Newaz, General Manager in-Charge and Director of Sales and Marketing, said, “We must never forget to pay tribute to these dynamic Bangladeshi women, whose role in moving the country forward is immense. Our best wishes to all of our respected panelists as well as all the women who have joined us here tonight.” Read: BELA's Rezwana named among State Dept's International Women of Courage '22 Mahbub Ali, State Minister of the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation was present at the event as the chief guest while Meher Afroz Chumki, MP, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, was the special guest. Every year, Radisson Blu Dhaka celebrates International Women’s Day through their Signature Program, which features special events and discounts on the hotel’s services for women. 

Women in Bangladesh should be given greater role in making decisions on their own financial matters as part of their empowerment, a discussion was told on Wednesday. The discussion on a subject called ‘Break the Bias for a gender-equal world’ was organized by think-tank Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), to mark the International Women’s Day. Read: Women’s entry into banks and NBFIs declines amid 10% quota withdrawal Speakers at the event said women sometimes lost their control on monthly salary even, as her male family members, including husbands, often operate their bank accounts. Old women can’t always take decision on how to spend the government assistance given to them as they are dominated by male relatives, they said. Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, Chairperson of BRAC and a former advisor to the caretaker government spoke as the special guest. Alexandra BergVon Linde, Ambassador, Embassy of Sweden, Bangladesh; Winnie Estrup Petersen, Ambassador, Embassy of Denmark, Syed Nasim Manzur, Director, Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and Managing Director, Apex Footwear Limited; Dr Firdausi Qadri, Emeritus Scientist, ICDDRB, Barrister Rashna Imam, Managing Partner, Akhtar Imam & Associates; Humaira Azam, Managing Director and CEO, Trust Bank; Taslima Akter Lima, President, Bangladesh Garments Sramik Sanghati and Ms Rizvana Hredita, also addressed the event. Read:Google celebrates Int’l Women’s Day with doodle Professor Rounaq Jahan, Distinguished Fellow of CPD chaired the function. Dr Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director, CPD moderated the discussion. The programme were attended by a number female professionals and entrepreneurs, representatives of women’s organisations and media, heads of missions and embassies in Bangladesh and members of the civil society.