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Says Hasina

24 April 2010, 18:00 PM

METROPOLITAN

Unb, Dhaka

Crest recipients pose with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the 100th anniversary of World Girl Guides and Girl Scouts at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the city yesterday. Bangladesh Girl Guides Association organised the event.Photo: STAR

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked women to seize the opportunities extended to them to improve their lot and contribute to social development. "Chances are never given in hand, chances are to be seized," she said at the founding anniversary of World Girl Guides and Girl Scouts at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the city. Bangladesh Girl Guides Association organised the function. Deputy Leader in Parliament Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury and Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid attended the programme as special guests. The prime minister said women have to come forward to face the challenges of the new century and to develop the country. "It is not possible to attain the desired development without the participation of women," she said and added that they have to learn the use of new and modern technology and participate in the country's development and advancement process. Hasina also said empowering women politically is a must for raising their social status and ensuring their participation in economic activities. Describing her commitment to women's empowerment, she said it is her government that provides adequate scopes for them. Awami League gave nomination to the highest number of women to contest the last general election. Five most important ministries including agriculture, home and foreign are run by women. The prime minister said during her previous tenure (1996-2201), she introduced recruitment of women in the armed forces. Women were elevated to the Supreme Court benches. "We have extended the maternity leave to four months. Now we are thinking to extend it to six months," she added. Hasina said that girl guides are playing an important role in the world for women's empowerment, leadership and development. She asked the authorities concerned to take effective measurers to expand the Girl Guides. She also assured the Girl Guides of all possible assistance for its expansion. The prime minister noted that drug and drug addiction among the youths has become a social problem. "Scouting can play a vital role to eliminate this social disease from the country." She urged the Girl Guides to cooperate with the government to achieve its 'Digital Bangladesh' programme and make the country free from hunger, poverty and corruption. Girl Guides National Commissioner Ful Rani Sarker presided over the ceremony where Bangladesh Girl Guides Association Treasurer Prof Yasmin Ahmed also spoke. The prime minister handed over the Girl Guides crests to Lulu Rahman for her lifetime achievement. Crests were also handed over to Asadunnesa and Jinat Ahmed for their contribution to the movement.