A delegation of Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry meets President Zillur Rahman at Bangabhaban in the capital yesterday.Photo: PID

President Zillur Rahman yesterday stressed the need for establishing women's chamber of commerce and industry in every district to involve women entrepreneurs in the mainstream development process.
Rahman made the observation when an 11-member delegation of Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI) led by its president Selima Ahmed called on him at Bangabhaban.
The delegation included BWCCI senior vice presidents Sangita Ahmed and Selina Quader.
BWCCI, which started its journey with only 24 women entrepreneurs in 2001, has more than 1,500 members.
At the meeting, the president said all must come forward to protect the rights of women by ensuring fair prices of their products, fair wages and equal work environment.
Referring to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's “sincerity in empowering women", Rahman said this reflection has already been seen in the present parliament and cabinet.
Rahman hoped that women would be able to contribute more in nation-building, as the government has taken various initiatives in this regard.
BWCCI President Selima Ahmed briefed the president on their various activities and handed over to him the Women's National Business Agenda 2009.
Ahmed paid rich tributes, on behalf BWCCI, to the memory of Rahman's wife, late Ivy Rahman, who was a frontline leader in the women's empowerment movement.
She informed Rahman that BWCCI are providing training to the rural women entrepreneurs on market accessing and fixing fair prices of their products as well as working with international forums on the issue of democracy, human rights and gender equality.