“I am a girl— I dream, I fight with courage, I work for my country.” With this inspiring motto, National Girl Child Day 2025 was celebrated across Bangladesh, including in Cox’s Bazar, on October 8.
Girls make up nearly half of the country’s 45 percent child population. Yet, in many areas, families still face social prejudice when a girl is born. But times are changing — today’s girls dare to dream, and families are increasingly standing beside them to help make those dreams come true.
Raihan Sobahan, a madrasa teacher from Shaplapur, Maheshkhali, shared, “Allah blessed me with a beautiful daughter who has filled our home with light. Some people in the village made negative remarks, but we stood firm. My wife and I are raising her with love and pride.”
That very spirit of pride, love, and responsibility toward girl children echoed throughout the ‘Girl Child Assembly, Discussion, and Cultural Program’, jointly organized by the District Shishu Academy and the Department of Women Affairs in Cox’s Bazar.
Speaking as the chief guest, Nilufa Yasmin Chowdhury, UNO of Cox’s Bazar Sadar, said, “Every segment of society must come forward to protect girls’ rights. We must create a safe, equal, and discrimination-free environment for every girl.”
Presided over by Ahsanul Haque, District Children Affairs Officer, the event was attended by Sharmin Sultana, Assistant Commissioner (Land); Gulshan Akter, Assistant District Primary Education Officer; Jasmin Akter, Deputy Project Director of the Integrated Child Rehabilitation and Training Center; women’s sports organizer Gopa Sen; and poet Shamim Akter.
Young presenter Samia Jannat Ariba hosted the event, and child speaker Nabiha Mamun Noha delivered a welcome speech.
South Asian Karate bronze medalist Manisha Shankar Pal shared her thoughts, saying, “My achievement proves that girls can excel in anything if given the right opportunity.”
The speakers underscored the importance of girls having big dreams, facing challenges with courage, and achieving independence through education.
The program concluded with a vibrant cultural performance by young girls, featuring songs, poems, and dances that celebrated their dreams, strength, and potential.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Cox’s Bazar Life Photo
