US Ambassador in Dhaka Dan Mozena on Thursday said women can play their critical part in building ‘Sonar Bangla’ if they are empowered properly.
He laid emphasis on exploring ways to empower women the best way through utilising their talents, energy, creativity and their entrepreneurial drive.
The US envoy was addressing the closing ceremony of a three-day ‘Gender and Development Fair’ held at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur arranged the event dedicated to promoting women’s rights.
The fair provided a platform for local leaders, university students, and the people of Rangpur to commemorate the economic and social contributions of women in Bangladesh, said a US Embassy media release.
At the closing session, State Minister for LGRD Mashiur Rahman Ranga and US Ambassador Mozena renewed their commitment to ensure women have equal opportunities to contribute to and benefit from the country’s economic growth.
Begum Rokeya University VC Dr AKM Nurun Nabi and USAID Mission Director Janina Jaruzelski were also present at the closing session and thanked the government officials, civil society organisations, the university students and the people of Rangpur for participating in the fair.
The fair featured seminars, workshops, a photo exhibition, film screening, and cultural performances by local artistes. Representatives from the government of Bangladesh, USAID, American Center, Begum Rokeya University, nongovernmental organisations, academic institutions, publishers, and private sector groups showcased their women’s empowerment programmes at 70 exhibit booths located on the campus fairgrounds.
The US government through USAID has provided over $6 billion in development assistance to Bangladesh since 1971.
In 2013, USAID provided nearly $200 million to improve the lives of people in Bangladesh.
USAID supports programmes in Bangladesh that promote democratic institutions and practices, expand food security and economic opportunity, improve health and education services, and increase resiliency to climate change through adaptation and low carbon development.
Source: UNB Connect