Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministries of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Water Resources, has said that the present government is working to establish Bangladesh as both gender-friendly and environmentally sustainable. She stressed that the state views men and women equally and continues to undertake initiatives that ensure equal rights for women across all sectors.

She made these remarks on Monday while addressing the closing and prize-giving ceremony of the 36th National Women’s Handball Competition 2025, held at Shaheed (Captain) M. Monsur Ali National Handball Stadium in Paltan, Dhaka.

In her speech, the Adviser highlighted that sports are not merely a source of entertainment but a vital tool for women’s empowerment, self-confidence, and leadership development. She underlined the importance of expanding sporting opportunities for women to guarantee their participation in the country’s sustainable social and national development.

Rizwana Hasan also used the platform to draw attention to environmental issues, urging everyone to stop using polythene shopping bags. She connected environmental consciousness with broader social responsibility, noting that building a sustainable and equitable society requires active commitment in all areas, including everyday choices.

Reflecting on the growing contributions of women in Bangladesh, she said that women are leaving their mark in every field of life. Their participation and success in international sporting arenas, she added, have brought pride to the nation and inspired younger generations to dream bigger. “The success of our women athletes in the global sports arena fills us with pride and reaffirms that Bangladesh is moving in the right direction towards gender equality,” she said.

The Adviser also spoke about the importance of social bonding, which she noted is gradually weakening in Dhaka due to the lack of open fields and community spaces. She emphasized that sports competitions such as women’s handball not only serve as games but also symbolize women’s courage, capability, and self-expression. According to her, such events reflect a broader struggle for recognition, empowerment, and leadership by women in society.

She went on to state that for women to secure a strong position in the country, to maintain good health, and to remain productive, sports must be regarded as an essential part of their lives. Moreover, through sports, women are able to raise the national flag high in the international arena, bringing honor to Bangladesh.

The closing ceremony of the tournament was attended by several dignitaries, including Mohammad Salauddin Ahmed, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Handball Federation; Dr. Abu Nasar Mohammad Abdullah, Vice President of the Federation and Convener of the Organizing and Development Management Committee of the national competition; Rashida Afzalun Nesa, Member-Secretary of the organizing committee; as well as sports organizers, officials of the National Handball Federation, coaches, players, and invited guests.

This year’s competition featured the participation of 19 teams from different institutions and districts across the country. After intense contests, the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) team emerged as champions. The Bangladesh Police team secured the runner-up position, while Panchagarh District claimed third place.

At the conclusion of the event, Adviser Rizwana Hasan distributed prizes among the winning teams and players, congratulating them for their outstanding performances. She expressed hope that such tournaments would continue to grow in scale and impact, providing women with greater opportunities to showcase their talent, strength, and determination.

The Adviser’s remarks underscored the government’s dual commitment to advancing gender equality and environmental sustainability, linking them as inseparable elements of Bangladesh’s progress. The event served as both a celebration of women’s sporting achievements and a reminder of the broader role of sports in social transformation, empowerment, and national pride.