Dhaka, September 9: BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said that the participation and leadership of women are essential for the overall development and progress of the country. Rizvi made the remarks on Wednesday morning after paying tribute to the graves of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia on the occasion of the 48th founding anniversary of the Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal.

He said Ziaur Rahman believed in women’s leadership and participation in national development. “Development cannot be complete without the participation of women,” he said.

Rizvi also described those who attack women as “cowards.”

Referring to the Family Card initiative, he said women have rights under the programme and that it places major responsibilities for managing the family in their hands.

He also said that during Begum Khaleda Zia’s tenure, free education was extended up to the intermediate level, while the government is now considering extending free education up to the bachelor’s degree level.

Speaking about the country’s energy crisis, Rizvi said the gas and fuel crisis could not be resolved unless the conflict between Iran and the United States comes to an end.

Despite various challenges, he said, the current government is trying to keep the prices of essential commodities stable.

Regarding the canal excavation programme, Rizvi said there had been a target to excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals. So far, he said, excavation work on 1,000 kilometres of canals has been completed.

The BNP acting secretary general further said Tarique Rahman was working to take the nation towards greater development. “Tarique Rahman has taken groundbreaking initiatives, particularly in the area of overseas employment,” he said.