On Monday, February 24, 2025, at 3:30 PM, the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) held a talk called “Sultana’s Dream Unbound: The Journey of Young Women” at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia Auditorium, National Press Club. The event featured five female mountaineers and was led by Dr. Fauzia Moslem, President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. Maleka Banu, General Secretary, gave the welcome speech.
Mountaineers Nishat Mazumder, Yasmin Liza, Mausumi Akhter Api, and Tahura Sultana Rekha, who joined online, participated. Dr. Fauzia Moslem welcomed them with flowers. A video titled “Abhijatri” showing their journeys was shown.
Dr. Fauzia Moslem spoke about being dedicated to one’s goals and highlighted “Sultana’s Dream,” a UNESCO-recognized work, as a guide for women to unite and overcome challenges. She hoped for women’s success worldwide.
Maleka Banu talked about “Sultana’s Dream” by Rokeya as a key inspiration for female climbers. Born in 1880 in a conservative community, Rokeya educated herself and fought for women’s freedom from traditional roles. She praised the mountaineers for inspiring young women.
Nishat Mazumder shared her amazing experience after her first mountain climb in June 2012, crediting her mother as her inspiration and wanting to end self-doubt among women.
Yasmin Liza said given the chance, Bangladeshi women can achieve great things, like climbing the Himalayas. She appreciated the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad for linking their journey with Rokeya’s vision.
Mausumi Akhter Api spoke of the motivation she received from Begum Rokeya and Nishat Mazumder, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.
Tahura Sultana Rekha said each of them is a Sultana, inspiring each other and discovering new aspects of themselves with each adventure.
The talk included insights from Naznin Akhter of Daily Prothom Alo, Rabea Baby of Daily Ittefaq, and Fahmida Yasmin Tithi of Green Voice Bohnishikha.
About 150 people attended, including leaders, editors, officials, young women, and journalists. The event was hosted by Umme Salma Begum and Fazila Khatun Lata.
