She recalled that in the past women had played a historic role time and again in critical situations, and hoped they would do so also in future if needed.

The immediate past prime minister was speaking at an exchange of views meeting with women from different professions at a city hotel on the occasion of International Women's Day.

Women should move ahead side by side with men for all round development of the nation. They must exploit their potentials, Khaleda stressed.

"It is our responsibility to build the country as a prosperous and peaceful one for our future generation, and I hope you all will contribute to this process from your respective positions."

The former premier said, "We implemented huge programmes for the development of women, including raising their reserve seats in parliament to 45, so that women feel encouraged to work harder for the welfare of the nation and country."

She went on, " We ensured free education for females from primary to higher secondary level. And we promised free education for them up to degree level if we return to power."

Khaleda said their efforts during the last five years (when in power) for women's welfare were acclaimed regionally and internationally. They implemented the programmes that had been taken by the then (late) president Ziaur Rahman, she added.

The function was attended by, among others, Canadian High Commissioner Barbara Richardson, US Charge d' Affaires Geeta Pasi, Brig Gen (retd) Dr Suriya Rahman, Razia Foyez,Taleya Rehman, Razia Akhter Banu, Laila Kabir, Rijia Parveen, Dil Rowshan Zinnat Ara, Tahmina Akhtar Tofee, Hosne Ara Begum and representatives of different women's and professional organisations.

Former state minister Selima Rahman gave the welcome address.