Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday distributed Begum Rokeya Padak-2021 to five eminent women for their outstanding contribution to women empowerment and social development.

The prime minister distributed the award at a function held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital as the chief guest joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban.

On behalf of the prime minister, State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Fazilatun Nessa Indira, handed over the award.

The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs organised the function on the occasion of the “Begum Rokeya Day”.

The awardees are — Professor Hasina Zakaria (Bela) for women education, Archana Biswas for women rights, Shamsunnahar Rahman Paran (posthumous) for socio-economic development of women, Professor Zinat Huda for women revolution through women education literature and culture, and Saria Sultana for rural development.

Begum Rokeya Day is observed marking the birth and death anniversary of Begum Rokeya Shakhawat Hossain, the pioneer of women's rights in the subcontinent.