Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman has said that no development vision can succeed if half of the country’s population — women — are left behind.

He emphasised that women must be equipped with proper skills to contribute meaningfully to national progress.

He made the remarks on Friday morning while addressing a reunion ceremony at Joypurhat Girls’ Cadet College.

“Women constitute 50 percent of our population. It would be a mistake to think of development without including them,” the Army Chief said, adding that the nation’s advancement depends on building a skilled and capable female workforce.

Speaking to former cadets, he urged them to become good human beings above all else. “You must uphold morality and work for the country with integrity,” he said.

The event was attended by former cadets, Joypurhat Deputy Commissioner Afroza Akter Chowdhury, Superintendent of Police Muhammad Abdul Wahab, teachers, and journalists.