Google, the world's most popular search engine, has created a new Google Doodle on its homepage to celebrate Begum Rokeya Day, marking the 137th birth and 85th death anniversary of the pioneer of women rights in the subcontinent. The doodle depicts her walking in a cosy looking corridor and carrying a book.
Bangladesh observes Begum Rokeya Day with due respect. President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia have paid tribute to Begum Rokeya in separate messages.
In his message, the president said Bangladesh has been globally recognized as a role model of women empowerment.
The prime minister, in her message, said Begum Rokeya’s ideas, courage and life are the sources of inspiration for women in society.
Women and Children Affairs Ministry organises a function on the occasion of "Begum Rokeya Day" and has distributed the Rokeya Padak-2017 at 10.30 am. Different programmes have also been chalked out across the country to mark the day.
Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, commonly known as Begum Rokeya, was born on December 9, 1880, at Pairaband village in Rangpur. She passed away on December 9 in 1932, which was her 52nd birthday. She wrote novels, poems, short stories, science fiction, satires, treatises, and essays. In her writings, she advocated that both men and women should be treated equally as rational beings and the lack of education is the main reason for women's lagging behind and she dedicated her entire life to the cause.
Rokeya was one of the first Muslim women to express these progressive opinions and witty insights, championing equality in the treatment of men and women.