DHAKA: Begum Rokeya Day is being marked in the country on Monday through various programs.

The momentous day is the 133rd birth and 81st death anniversary of Begum Rokeya, a muslim women who fought against all the prevailing superstitions.

The government, socio-cultural and women’s organisations have chalked up programmes to observe Rokeya Day 2013 in a befitting manner including Rokeya fair at Pairaband in Rangpur.

Begum Rokeya, a lifelong fighter against all kinds of gender inequalities, was born at Pairaband of Mithapukur in Rangpur on December 9, 1880. She died on December 9, 1932 in Kolkata.

She established the first school for Muslim girls in the then undivided Bengal in the early 20th century, which is now situated on Lord Sinha Road in Kolkata.

A prolific writer and essayist, Rokeya made a remarkable contribution to Bangla literature. Her major works include Matichur, Padmarag, Abarodhbasini and Sultana’s Dream.

She also founded the Anjuman-e-Khawateen-e-Islam (Islamic Women’s Association), which campaigned for raising the status and education of women.

BDST: 1535 HRS, DEC 09, 2013