Bangladesh, Dec. 8 -- The Begum Rokeya Day will be observed on Monday marking the 139th birth as well as 87th death anniversary of Begum Rokeya Shakhawat Hossain, a pioneer in the fight for securing women's rights in the subcontinent.

Women and Children Affairs Ministry, Begum Rokeya Foundation and various other socio-cultural and political organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes to mark the day.

The Ministry has nominated five women for the prestigious Rokeya Padak 2019 in recognition of their outstanding contributions to society and women's empowerment.

The nominated women are Begum Selina Khalek, Principal Shamsunnahar, Dr. Nurunnahar Faizunnesa (posthumous), Papri Basu and Begum Akhter Jahan.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasi...