Bangladesh has joined the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for women’s development. On Tuesday (September 14) at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah, Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Permanent Representative to the OIC. Mohammad Jabed Patwari signed the constitution of the Women’s Development Organization.
At the OIC Secretary-General. Yusuf bin Ahmed Al Othaimeen and other senior officials were present.
At the time, the Ambassador said Bangladesh’s participation in the OIC Women’s Development Organization reflected the Government of Bangladesh’s commitment to women’s empowerment, gender equality and women’s rights. The Prime Minister of Bangladesh is also a woman, and she has been serving as the head of government for 17 long years with great success.
The Ambassador said the Prime Minister of Bangladesh is recognized as a popular and important female voice and political leader for women’s empowerment. During her tenure, higher education, economic and political empowerment of women has been implemented. The number of seats reserved for women in the National Assembly of Bangladesh has been increased to fifty. Thirty per cent of seats in local government are reserved for women. Women’s representation in government service has increased, and women in higher positions are working successfully.
He said a large number of women are working in agriculture and garment manufacturing in Bangladesh. In addition, a significant number of women in the army and police are working successfully. About 1,500 women have so far served in UN peacekeeping missions.
“Our achievements in women’s empowerment have been praised worldwide,” the Ambassador said. Bangladesh believes that joining the OIC Women’s Development Organization will benefit the member countries mutually. Bangladesh will be able to exchange experiences on women’s development among member countries. The Ambassador hoped that this organization would make a significant contribution to the advancement and prosperity of the women of the Muslim Ummah.
OIC Secretary General. Welcoming Bangladesh’s decision to join the Women’s Development Organization, Othaimin said Bangladesh is a role model in the world in women’s empowerment and development. Bangladesh’s participation in this organization will play a very positive role. He also lauded the progress of women in Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
A recent cabinet meeting decided to join this important organization.
The OIC Women’s Development Agency, based in Cairo, Egypt, launched on July 31 last year. So far, 26 OIC member states, including Bangladesh, have signed the constitution.
