Zaima calls for collective action to empower women in Bangladesh

Zaima Rahman, daughter of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, on Monday said women in Bangladesh must not only be included in national discourse but also trusted and empowered to help shape the country’s future.

While speaking at a recent discussion, she also stressed that genuine empowerment requires sustained collective action beyond speeches and policies.

In a Facebook post, Zaima described the event as an important beginning toward a future where women from villages, towns and cities—across generations, backgrounds and opinions—play a decisive role in shaping what comes next.

She expressed hope that more such inclusive spaces would continue to open up and said she looks forward to learning from and advocating through these platforms.

Zaima said she was honoured to share the platform with economist Fahmida Khatun, Tamara Abed Hasan, and Rupali Chowdhury, thanking them for their insights and leadership in their respective fields.

Zaima also highlighted the importance of engaging with women from diverse sectors, naming several participants who contributed to the discussion, and said their perspectives reflected the depth of talent, ambition and commitment already present among Bangladeshi women.

She made special mention of a question raised during the Q&A session by Sadia, a student from BRAC University’s law department, describing it as thoughtful and important, and expressing optimism about the role of young women in asking critical questions in society.

She thanked moderator Kazi Jesin for steering the discussion and BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury for engaging in the dialogue and outlining policy perspectives on the issues raised.

Emphasising the need for continued engagement, Zaima said progress is only possible when people listen to one another and remain in conversation, even when opinions differ.

She noted that women are already leading Bangladesh in many ways, but said belief must now translate into action.

“Empowerment cannot remain confined to speeches or policies; it must be reflected consistently in our homes, workplaces and institutions,” she said.

Calling on men, leaders and decision-makers to play their part, she said support should be measured not by intention but by sustained action, adding that systems must be shaped collectively.

“The future we want is one we can only build together,” she said.