Recipients of Channel i lifetime achievement awards pose for a photograph at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city yesterday. Channel i awarded the top 10 women for the first time in the country for their pioneering role on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day.Photo: STAR

Top ten women of the country, who were the first to occupy centre stage at the top of their professions, received lifetime achievement awards of Channel i yesterday.
First female editor of the country Nurjahan Begum, editor of Begum, first female deputy leader of parliament Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, first home minister Advocate Sahara Khatun, also first to hold the chair along with first female Barrister Rabeya Bhuiyan, first Brig Gen (retd) Dr Suraiya Rahman, Ambassador Nasim Firdous, first Foreign Minister Dipu Moni and first female train driver Salma Khatun brightened up the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre with their presence.
Three valiant female freedom fighters -- Tara Bibi, Kakon Bibi and Capt (retd) Sitara Begum were also in the list.
The private TV station honoured the women on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day.
The award recipients called on all to build a nation without discrimination, where women would not be persecuted on gender grounds.
They also called for providing equal opportunity for both male and female children to boost up their hidden talent.
While receiving the award, Sajeda Chowdhury said women's participation in every aspect of life is important. The present government is committed to ensuring their empowerment.
Dipu Moni said men must work together with their female counterparts to create a society based on equality, adding that it is necessary not just for women but also for the entire society, state and the universe.
Language movement veteran Rawshan Ara Bacchu attended the programme as the chief guest while Channel i Managing Director Faridur Reza Sagar and Director Jahiruddin Mahmud Mamun were also present.
The award giving ceremony was followed by a dazzling cultural show.