Dhaka: Begum Rokeya Day is observing across the country on Friday marking the 136th birth and 84th death anniversary of the pioneer of awakening women’s rights in the subcontinent.

Women and Children Affairs Ministry and various other socio-cultural and political organisations are observing the day with elaborate programmes, including milad, placing wreaths at her portraits, discussions, rally and cultural functions.

Begum Rokeya Shakhawat Hossain was born on December 9, 1880 at Pairaband village in Rangpur, and she passed away on 9 December, 1932 in Kolkata.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to hand over the Rokeya Padak 2016 at a programme at Osmani Memorial auditorium in Dhaka at about 10:00am.

President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia issued separate messages paying rich tributes to Begum Rokeya on the occasion.

In his message, the President said Begum Rokeya’s ideals and activities will inspire all to build a society based on equity and free from gender disparity.

He congratulated those who are going to receive the Rokeya Padak 2016 for their contributions to women development.

The Prime Minister, in her message, said Begum Rokeya played a leading role in spreading the light of education among the women overcoming different obstacles.

‘She showed the underprivileged women the path of light through establishing educational institutions and social work,’ she observed.

Khaleda Zia called upon all irrespective of their gender identity to come forward with strong steps to materialise Begum Rokeya’s dream removing the current anarchy and exploitation from society.