Dhaka, Nov. 19 -- National progress cannot be achieved without the full participation and empowerment of women, Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain said on Wednesday.

"We cannot move forward by leaving women behind. To move forward, we have to take our mothers and sisters with us," he said while speaking at the Hifzul Quran Award-2025 ceremony organised by Nibras Madrasa at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed International Convention Center in Dhaka.

Dr. Khalid highlighted examples from early Islamic history, noting that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) built society and governed the state alongside Hazrat Khadija (RA), Hazrat Ayesha (RA) and other prominent female companions. "Mothers and sisters were even seen on the battlefield," he sai...