Online Desk: Khaleda Zia is a pioneer of women empowerment in Bangladesh, said BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Friday.

“Begum Zia had proved that a woman can become the prime minister and lead a movement against an autocrat regime as she had elected first PM of Bangladesh after a successful movement against autocrat HM Earshad in 1991,”Khosru said.

He said this while addressing a rally organised by Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal in front of BNP’s central office at Nayapalton on Friday, marking the international women’s day.

By prioritising women’s affairs ministry during her first tenure, Khaleda Zia had confirmed recruitment of women in every sector of government, Khosru added.

He said Khaleda Zia had taken initiatives to financially empower women by creating employment opportunities through farming duck, hen, goat etc. and encouraging the financial institutions such as banks to give them loan.

“If we want actual empowerment of women we should give them freedom to choose their way by themselves,” he said.

Nowadays it is seen that that women are being harassed in everywhere and everyday and in most cases by ruling party cadres, BNP leader alleged.

Those who are working for women’s right are not raising voice against the harassment as they gear the autocratic regime, he said.

Amir Khosru said no one is getting justice as almost all sectors are occupied by Awami League (AL) men who have established the culture of fear.

There are no rights of people including those of women in the country, said the BNp leader.

Women’s rights will be established when people’s basic rights like right to vote would be secured, Khosru said.

“Now it’s time to fight unitedly to restore the rights of people including those of women,” he added.