Four women have been awarded the prestigious Rokeya Padak in recognition of their significant contributions in their respective fields.

The recipients are Dr Rubhana Rakib in the category of women`s education (research), Kalpana Akter in women`s rights (labour rights), Dr Nabila Idris in human rights and Ritu Porna Chakma in women`s empowerment (sports).

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, attending as the chief guest, handed over the awards at a programme held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka on Tuesday morning.

The event is chaired by Sharmin Murshid, adviser to the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.

A cultural programme, including the screening of a documentary titled Ami-e Rokeya, was held to highlight Begum Rokeya`s contributions to promoting women`s education and combating child marriage.

Begum Rokeya Day is being observed to commemorate the life and contributions of Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, a trailblazer in the fight for women’s rights and education in the Indian subcontinent.

Marking the day, Women and Children Affairs Ministry, Begum Rokeya Foundation and various socio-cultural and political organisations have arranged elaborate programmes.

Born on December 9, 1880, at Pairaband village of Rangpur, Begum Rokeya passed away on the same date in 1932.