DHAKA: International Women’s Day will be observed across the country on Sunday (March 8) as elsewhere around the world with an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women while calling for greater equality at every sphere of life.

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is the clarion call of UN Women’s Beijing+20 campaign “Empowering Women, Empowering Humanity: Picture it!”

Different socio-cultural organisations of the country have chalked out elaborate programmes to mark the day.

The Women and Children Affairs Ministry will organise a programme at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) at 10:30am to mark the day.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will attend the programme as the chief guest.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages and greeted women folk of the country.

The President underscored the need for ensuring women’s rights and empowerment alongside providing them with due honour.

He also observed the contribution of women to family, society and the state.

He further urged all to work together to protect the rights of women, ensure their empowerment and equal opportunities.

In her message, the Prime Minister called upon all to make a promise to create an equality-based world to ensure women’s human rights, logical rights, empowerment and dignity.

BDST: 2155 HRS, MAR 07, 2015