In February 2025, a two-day training program aimed at empowering young women organizers from the Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions was held at Rayan’s Hotel and Restaurant. Organized by the Central Training, Research, and Library Sub-committee of the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) , with support from its Rangpur District branch, the event took place on the 7th and 8th of February.
It included 50 participants from 11 districts, excluding Rajshahi and Rajshahi University. The districts represented were Pabna, Kurigram, Natore, Naogaon, Rangpur, Dinajpur, Gaibandha, Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, Panchagarh, and Thakurgaon. Many attendees had not previously received such training from the central organization.
The inaugural session was overseen by Rumana Zaman, General Secretary of the Rangpur District branch, and presided over by Acting President Mahbuba Ara Begum Lina. Dr. Rehana Khatun, the Vice-Principal of Carmichael College, was the chief guest. Speakers included Shima Moslem, Joint General Secretary of the Central Committee, and Rina Ahmed, Training, Research, and Library Secretary. The training covered five main topics: gender concepts and women’s empowerment, women’s legal rights and violence prevention, international and national initiatives for women’s rights, the organizational activities of the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, and practical guidelines for young women organizers.
Training was conducted by a group of experienced trainers including Shima Moslem, Rina Ahmed, Dr. Marufa Begum from Dinajpur, and advocate Dipti Rani Sikder. The sessions were moderated by Ayesha Siddika and Momena Begum from the Rangpur District branch and Kamrun Nahar Joly from the Pabna District branch. Participants also engaged in group activities about women’s rights and organizational practices. The program wrapped up with a certificate distribution and a closing speech by Dr. Marufa Begum.
