BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed profound respect for Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain on her birth and death anniversary, paying homage to the pioneer of women’s awakening in Bengal.

In a post from his verified Facebook profile on Monday night, Tarique Rahman said Begum Rokeya, despite being raised in a conservative family, emerged as a visionary who championed women's education and emancipation at a time when such ideas were met with hostility.

He noted that Rokeya deeply understood how the lack of education kept women marginalized and firmly believed that education was the foundation of women's dignity and self-respect.

“She prioritized the expansion of women’s education and proved that education paves the way for personality development,” he wrote.

Tarique Rahman highlighted that Rokeya took the first initiatives to enlighten the particularly backward Muslim women of this region, despite facing fierce resistance from conservative sections of society. “Yet she remained steadfast, relentless, and fearless in carrying out her mission,” he said.

He recalled Rokeya’s incisive writings that challenged social injustices and discrimination against women. Through her work, she emphasized women’s autonomy and dignity in family, society, and the economy.

Tarique added that Rokeya believed women must be properly educated to achieve true independence and become self-reliant. Her lifelong activism, he said, continues to inspire new generations.

“I believe her dedicated life and ideals will further motivate and energize women in their struggle for rightful freedom,” the BNP acting chairman said.