A Bangladeshi woman has been included in BBC's list of 100 Women for 2024. Her name is Rikta Akhtar Banu, and she has dedicated her life to advancing the education of children with intellectual and physical disabilities. In recognition of her relentless efforts, Rikta has earned a spot on this prestigious list, a significant achievement by one of the world's leading media outlets. We are very proud of Rikta Banu's remarkable accomplishment.
The BBC released its list of the world's 100 most inspiring and influential women for 2024 last Tuesday. The selected women have been recognised across five categories: Climate Activists, Culture and Education, Recreation and Sports, Politics and Advocacy, and Science, Health and Technology. Rikta Banu has been included under the Science, Health and Technology category, alongside Nobel Peace Prize laureates, astronauts, Olympic athletes, climate activists, writers, and other exceptional women.
Rikta Akhtar Banu (52), a resident of Chilmari Upazila in Kurigram, is a senior staff nurse by profession. Her journey began when her speech-impaired daughter was denied admission to a government primary school. Determined to ensure education for her child and others like her, Rikta established a school with support from her family. Her husband donated land for the school, which began its journey in 2009 with 63 disabled children in a modest tin-roofed structure.
Finding teachers willing to work with disabled children proved difficult. Initially, Rikta's devar (brother-in-law) stepped in to teach, and eventually, other teachers joined. Today, the school has grown into an institution serving 294 students from infant to fifth grade, with 21 teachers. The school achieved MPO (Monthly Pay Order) status in 2020. Rikta currently serves as the president of the school's management committee.
The Rikta Akhtar Banu (Lutfa) School for Intellectually Handicapped not only educates children but also ensures their well-being. She is an inspiration, not just for women but for everyone. We salute her unwavering determination and her compassion-driven work. However, the school still faces several limitations. The gymnasium lacks essential equipment for the mental and physical development of children with disabilities, and additional entertainment resources are needed. Furthermore, the semi-finished school building requires infrastructural development.
We urge the relevant authorities of the local administration and government to extend their support to address these needs. Assisting Rikta Banu's noble initiative will be a fitting tribute to her invaluable contributions.
Ashikujaman Syed
Business Development Manager
Fuyi (Xiamen) Material Technology Co. Ltd.
Xiamen, China
[email protected]
