Barrister Zaima Rahman, daughter of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, has said that everyone should have a sincere intention to contribute to the country from their respective positions.

She made the remarks on Sunday (18 January) while speaking at a discussion titled “Women in Nation-Building: Policy, Potential and the Future of Bangladesh”, organised by the Dhaka Forum at the Krishibid Institute in the capital’s Khamarbari area.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury was present at the programme as the chief guest.

Zaima Rahman said that the people present at the event did not all share the same ideology, experience or perspective. “Yet we are sitting together and engaging in discussion because we all think about the country and its people. We are talking together despite our differences, listening to one another. This is the true beauty of democracy,” she said.

She noted that she was speaking at a policy-level forum in Bangladesh for the first time, describing the moment as emotionally significant. “I am not someone who has answers to every question or solutions to all problems. Still, I believe that from our own small spaces, we all should have the sincerity to do something for society and for the country,” she said.

Zaima Rahman added that she had come to the event mainly to listen, learn and move forward with a mindset of working together.

Speaking on women’s participation in national development, she said Bangladesh could not move far ahead by leaving half of its population behind.

At the event, economist Dr Fahmida Khatun said the biggest obstacle to women’s development was access to finance. She noted that women entrepreneurs, particularly those running small businesses, often face difficulties in securing loans. “Those who come to power in the future must prioritise this issue,” she said, adding that women represent the true image of economic empowerment.

She also warned that women would face fresh challenges after Bangladesh graduates from the list of least developed countries.

Social worker and entrepreneur Tamara Abed said women should not be viewed merely as a population segment but as human capital. She stressed the need to bring forward the hidden potential that exists among women.