Special Presentation on “Gender Equality in the Workplace and the Impact of COVID-19” by H.E. Datuk Hajah Zuraida binti Kamrauddin, Hon’ble Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Malaysia, & Member, International Advisory Council, UAP

The Office of International Affairs (OIA) of University of Asia Pacific (UAP) organized a special presentation on Gender Equality in the Workplace and the Impact of COVID-19 on 24 February 2022 at the university’s auditorium.

Her Excellency Datuk Hajah Zuraida binti Kamrauddin, Hon’ble Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Malaysia, & Member, International Advisory Council, UAP was the keynote speaker while Mr. Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, MP, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Industries, People’s Republic of Bangladesh was present on the as Guest of Honour.

In her speech, H. E. Datuk Hajah Zuraida elaborately briefed on ensuring gender equality in the workplace which has taken a turn during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also highlighted on women empowerment and briefed about her activities with regard to gender equality. She sought the cooperation of people from all walks of life to ensure the empowerment of women. A lively Q/A session was held after the presentation of Datuk Hajah Zuraida.

After the inauguration of the event, a brief overview of UAP was presented by Ms. Ismat Zarin, Director, OIA. She highlighted on how the university has been playing a significant role in the academic arena of Bangladesh. The welcome remark was given by Professor Dr. Qumrul Ahsan, Vice Chancellor, UAP.

Mr. Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, MP, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Industries, People’s Republic of Bangladesh said, “We have today listened to an extremely esoteric presentation on gender equality. And it reiterates the importance of gender equity for the progress of a nation. Gender equality is a basic human right and our government realizes that we cannot prosper without achieving equality for all. We are very keen on ensuring gender equality in all sectors.”

The minister also said “for the past 50 years, Malaysia and Bangladesh have had very close bilateral relations. Malaysia was among the first countries to recognize Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign nation in 1971. In recent years our government has extended this relationship further by promoting bilateral trade growth between our two countries. We hope to further strengthen this relationship in the future with greater collaboration.”

Moreover, in honour of the ministers’ visit, crests and awards were handed over to the distinguished delegates. On the occasion, UAP presented “Gender Equality Award” and a memento for joining UAP as an esteemed member of the International Advisory Council of UAP to H. E. Datuk Hajah Zuraida binti Kamrauddin, Hon’ble Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Malaysia. During the meeting, both ministers of Malaysia and Bangladesh along with other delegates thanked and appreciated the initiatives taken by UAP for collaboration in near future. At the end of the program, Mr. Qayum Reza Chowdhury, Former Chairman, & Member, BOT, UAP delivered the vote of thanks.

The meeting was also addressed by H. E. Haznah Md. Hashim, Hon’ble High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh, Dr. Mohammed Alauddin, PhD, Chairman, BOT, UAP; Mr. K. M. Mojibul Hoque, Member, BOT, UAP while a number of BOT members, Deans of different schools, Heads of departments, faculty members and staff took part on the occasion.

In his speech, Dr, Mohammed Alauddin requested to the Malaysian Minister to kindly help the university to exchange academic programs and he also thanked her for accepting the invitation and joining this event. Earlier, Mr. K. M. Mojibul Hoque, Member, BOT briefly addressed the Malaysian Minister before the audiences and played a significant role to make this program even more successful.

A special lunch was arranged at Hotel Sonargaon in Honour of H. E. Datuk Hajah Zuraida binti Kamrauddin, Hon’ble Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Malaysia at Hotel Sonargaon, Dhaka.

At the end of the program, the Hon’ble ministers and delegates visited various departments, the library and the campus of UAP.