National Growth Impossible Without Women: Mir Helal

National growth is unattainable without transforming the country’s female population into a productive workforce, stated Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, State Minister for Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs. He emphasized that women must be integrated into both formal and informal economic activities to ensure the nation’s progress.

The State Minister made these remarks as the chief guest at the "Indomitable Women Award" ceremony held at the District Shilpakala Academy on Monday (March 2). Four successful women were honored at the event for their contributions.

Highlighting political initiatives, Mir Helal noted that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has a long-standing history of women’s development, specifically citing the establishment of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs during Begum Khaleda Zia’s tenure.

"In the current context of state reform, we are prioritizing women's empowerment through our 31-point plan," he said. "A key part of this is the ‘family card’ system, where women will be recognized as heads of households. This list will be prepared transparently by the administration, free from political bias."

He further observed that approximately 4 crore citizens remain outside the formal economy. "If we can channel this vast demographic of women into productive sectors—such as poultry farming and small-scale entrepreneurship—the national economy will see a massive positive shift," he added.

Reflecting on his own success, the State Minister credited his mother’s influence, noting that despite their immense sacrifices, women’s contributions are often overlooked. "Women's rights are not an act of charity or kindness," he concluded. "They are a fundamental constitutional right."

The program, organized by the Department of Women's Affairs and the Office of the Chittagong Divisional Commissioner, featured guests including Divisional Commissioner Dr. Ziauddin, Deputy Commissioner Zahidul Islam Miah, and Additional DIG (Admin) Md. Nazimul Haque.