Dhaka, Dec. 10 -- Place women at the centre of political and social transformation, the Chief Adviser urges, asserting that a "new Bangladesh must rise with the womenfolk leading the way". Speaking at the 2025 Begum Rokeya Day ceremony in Dhaka on Tuesday, Prof Muhammad Yunus notes that the country still falls short of the vision laid out by Begum Rokeya a century ago, despite progress in education and civic life.

Four women received the annual Begum Rokeya Padak -- an honour recognising contributions to women's rights and empowerment -- at an event held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium.

This year's awardees include researcher Ruvana Rakib (women's education), labour-rights activist Kalpona Akter, athlete Rituporna Chakma, and human-ri...