On International Women’s Day, Tarique Rahman, the acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), delivered a profound message that reaffirms his commitment to the principles of gender equality, dignity, and security for women across Bangladesh.

Reflecting on the three most important women in his life—his mother, wife, and daughter—Tarique shared a deeply personal account of his own experiences, transforming them into a universal vision for the future of women in his country.

His words serve not only as a heartfelt reflection but also as a bold political declaration, calling for urgent reforms that can secure a more just and equitable Bangladesh for women.

In a world where gender inequality continues to persist, Tarique’s message resonates deeply. While Bangladesh has made significant strides in empowering women, gender-based violence, wage disparity, and unequal access to education and healthcare remain pressing barriers.

These challenges stifle women’s full participation in society and hold back the promise of true equality.

Tarique’s call for equal opportunities and security for women mirrors the demands of global feminist movements and speaks to the aspirations of millions who are pushing for a more equitable world.

Tarique’s statement begins with a poignant tribute to the women who have shaped his life: his mother, Begum Khaleda Zia, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, and his daughter Zaima Rahman. In doing so, he underscores the indispensable role that women play within families and communities.

This personal reflection mirrors the words of former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama, who once said, “The measure of any society is how it treats its women and girls.”

By framing his commitment to women’s empowerment through the lens of these personal relationships, Tarique makes it clear that societies thrive when women are afforded the dignity, security, and opportunities they deserve.

Beyond his personal reflections, Tarique’s message also signals a commitment to political continuity in advancing women’s rights.

He highlights the legacy of the BNP’s past leadership under his father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, and his mother, Begum Khaleda Zia. Both leaders played pivotal roles in the history of Bangladesh, with Begum Khaleda Zia becoming the country’s first female Prime Minister and a trailblazer for women in politics.

Her leadership stands as a testament to the power of women’s voices in shaping the nation’s future.

Reflecting on achievements and advancing women’s empowerment

Tarique Rahman’s message on International Women’s Day serves as both a reflection on the progress made in women’s rights and a call to action for a more equitable future.

His focus on themes such as equal opportunities, dignity, and security resonates with prominent women activists and philosophers around the world.

Malala Yousafzai, the youngest-ever Nobel laureate, has long championed girls’ education, famously saying, “We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.”

This aligns with the BNP’s initiatives, like academic and vocational programs designed for young girls, which aim to bridge the educational divide and empower women with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

Similarly, Eleanor Roosevelt, a pioneer in human rights, once stated, “A woman is like a tea bag—you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.”

Her words mirror the struggles and triumphs of Bangladeshi women who continue to defy systemic barriers. Tarique’s call for women to “step outside their homes or use the internet without harassment” is a crucial step toward dismantling societal norms that often limit women’s roles and freedom.

A key element of Tarique’s message is economic empowerment, which is of particular importance. Initiatives like the BNP’s “family card” program and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) loans for women entrepreneurs aim to provide financial independence, a crucial step toward gender equality.

As Christine Lagarde, former Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, has said, “When women do better, economies do better.”

Empowering women financially has been shown to contribute not only to their personal growth but to broader economic development, poverty reduction, and societal well-being.

The importance of economic inclusion cannot be overstated. According to the World Economic Forum, closing the gender gap in labor force participation could add a staggering $28 trillion to global GDP.

With Bangladesh’s growing economy, the country stands to gain significantly from policies that encourage women’s entrepreneurship and workforce participation.

While economic and social empowerment are critical, political participation is another area where significant progress remains necessary.

Tarique Rahman’s recognition of women’s potential in leadership aligns with the sentiments of the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who famously said, “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”

A step toward inclusive leadership in Bangladesh

Despite Bangladesh’s history of female leadership at the highest levels, women remain underrepresented in local governance and decision-making roles.

Tarique Rahman’s commitment to amplifying women’s voices is a positive step, but the nation still faces significant barriers that prevent women from claiming their political space.

Tarique’s vision for a society where women can live “without harassment” directly addresses the pressing issue of gender-based violence.

Bangladesh, like many other nations, struggles with high rates of domestic violence, workplace harassment, and online abuse.

His call for dignity and security for women echoes the global movement against gender violence, exemplified by the #MeToo campaign, which has empowered survivors worldwide to share their stories.

Philosopher Simone de Beauvoir famously said, “One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman,” highlighting how societal structures often limit women’s roles and freedoms.

By advocating for a cultural shift where women can freely express themselves without fear, Tarique Rahman is challenging these entrenched norms and calling for a redefined, more inclusive society.

Tarique’s statement culminates in a call for collective action: “Together, let’s continue to champion women’s economic empowerment, political participation, and personal aspirations.”

His words reinforce the idea that gender equality is not just a women’s issue but a societal one. As former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan once said, “Gender equality is more than a goal in itself. It is a precondition for meeting the challenge of reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development, and building good governance.”

For Bangladesh to truly progress, the responsibility for advancing gender equality must be shared across all sectors—policymakers, educators, business leaders, and civil society. While the BNP’s policy initiatives are a promising start, their successful implementation and expansion will be key to creating lasting change.

Investment in education, stricter enforcement of laws against gender-based violence, and greater encouragement of women’s leadership will be essential to turning Rahman’s vision into reality.

Tarique Rahman’s tribute to the women in his life and his advocacy for gender equality mark an important step in building a more just society.

His words not only honor the contributions of women but also underscore the structural changes needed to ensure their full participation in all aspects of life.

As Bangladesh moves forward, the challenge lies in transforming these ideals into action. The BNP’s commitment to policies that empower women is an encouraging beginning, but the true measure of progress will come from their tangible impact.

With continued advocacy, policy reform, and societal support, Bangladesh can serve as a model for gender equality in the region.

On this International Women’s Day and beyond, let Tarique Rahman’s words inspire us all to work toward a future where every woman enjoys the same dignity, security, and opportunity as any man.

—

Writer- H. M. Nazmul Alam is an Academic, Journalist, and Political Analyst. He can be reached at nazmulalam.rijohn@gmail.com