At dawn on 6 December 2025, at 7:00 AM, the historic stretch from the Central Shaheed Minar of the University of Dhaka to Shahbagh came alive with purpose, energy, and collective resolve as Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) and BD Runners jointly organized the Rokeya Run. The event was held in observance of the International Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and World Human Rights Day, sending a strong public message against violence towards women and girls.
The event began with an inaugural address by Dr. Fauzia Moslem, President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. Following her remarks, the programme formally commenced with the participants singing the national anthem in unison—symbolizing unity, courage, and commitment. The anthem was led by Jana Goswami, Director of Advocacy and Networking; Advocate Dipti Sikder, Director of Legal Advocacy and Lobbying; Shahazadi Shamima Afzali Shampa, Director of Training and Research; and Sabikun Nahar, Programme Officer (Counseling) of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.
Before the run began, participants were briefed on the race rules and route by Sheuty Sabur, Central Committee Member of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, along with Mithun and Pappu from the University of Dhaka Runners’ Community. The community-run unfolded as a symbolic journey—each step echoing resistance against oppression and a collective aspiration for equality and dignity.
In her opening speech, Dr. Fauzia Moslem described the Rokeya Run as a movement that breaks through hesitation, fatigue, and social inertia. Drawing inspiration from the clarion call of Rokeya—“Awake, sisters, awake!”—she emphasized the continued struggle to build an egalitarian society based on equality between women and men. She recalled Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain’s lifelong fight to dismantle regressive traditions and warned that renewed attempts are being made to confine women within new forms of social barriers. Standing firmly against recent derogatory attacks on Rokeya’s legacy, Dr. Moslem asserted that the Rokeya Run represents a bold commitment to advancing the historic struggle of breaking patriarchal norms. She urged all to remain steadfast in this journey.
Following the run, Maleka Banu, General Secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, addressed the gathering. She reflected on Rokeya’s visionary belief that “veiling and confinement can never define a woman’s destiny.” Inspired by this philosophy, she stated that women continue to move forward—across homes, streets, institutions, and public life—breaking barriers that seek to slow their progress. Her words reinforced the determination to keep running, metaphorically and literally, toward a society where women are equally respected everywhere.
Mohammad Samsuzzaman Arafat, Bangladesh’s first Ironman and an activist of BD Runners, highlighted Rokeya’s far-sighted thinking, noting that her ideas on equality remain revolutionary even today. He emphasized that women’s empowerment strengthens society as a whole and called for collective advancement through mutual inspiration.
Echoing this sentiment, Imtiaz Elahi, Ironman, mountaineer, and BD Runners activist, stated that the Rokeya Run is not merely a race but a call to sustain the forward momentum of the women’s liberation movement.
At the conclusion of the programme, Dr. Fauzia Moslem honored Mohammad Samsuzzaman Arafat and Imtiaz Elahi with flowers and publications on behalf of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. The event saw the participation of nearly 200 people, including activists and members of BD Runners, organizers and staff of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, and representatives of the media. The programme was skillfully moderated by Advocate Dipti Sikder, Director of Legal Advocacy and Lobbying of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.
The Rokeya Run stood not just as a physical act of endurance, but as a powerful expression of resistance, remembrance, and hope—running together toward a future free from violence and discrimination.
