Dhaka: The nation observed Begum Rokeya Day 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 observed the day with elaborate programmes, including milad, placing wreaths at her portraits, discussions, rally and cultural functions.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina distributed Begum Rokeya Padak-2016 at a function at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.

This year, the prestigious award has gone to Aroma Dutta and Begum Nur Jahan for their outstanding contributions to advancing the country’s women.

The Prime Minister announced to increase the number of award recipients to five from the next year to encourage women more.

The government introduced the award in 1995 after the name of Begum Rokeya, the pioneer of awakening women’s rights in this subcontinent.

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