International Women's Day and its centenary was observed in the country yesterday with the renewed demand for equal rights of men and women in every sphere of the state, society, family, public and personal life.

Different socio-political organisations, human rights activists and women organisations staged demonstrations and organised series of programmes in Dhaka and elsewhere of the country in observance of the day.

Implementation of a National Women Policy, removal of discriminatory laws, right to inherit equal property, implementation of a Uniform Family Code for all the citizens irrespective of their faiths and empowerment of women in the society and family life were the main focus in Bangladesh perspective of the Day.

The demands were raised in unison from hundreds of gatherings and functions like rallies, discussions, human chains, drama, photo exhibitions and cultural programmes marking the day.

Department of Women and Gender Studies of Dhaka University brought out a rally from the altar of `Aparajeyo Bangla' on this occasion. Dhaka University VC Prof AAMS Arefin Siddiq led the rally.

The students of the department staged a drama named "Putuler Sangsar' on the premises of Kalabhaban in DU.

Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BSD) General Secretary Comrade Khalequzzaman in a statement urged working men and women to be united to protect women's rights at all level.

Samajtantrik Mohila Forum organised a photo exhibition at Shaheed Milon Chatar in Dhaka University inaugurated by Prof Kazi Madina.

Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS) Chairman Habibur Rahman Siraj inaugurated a photo exhibition to mark international women day at Jatiya Press Club yesterday. BILS will hold a seminar tomorrow on security of working women at Begum Sufia Kamal auditorium of National Museum.

Susashaner Jonno Procharavijan (Supra) formed a human chain in front of National Museum yesterday and staged a street drama on women rights.

National Garment Workers Foundation, Jago Nari Foundation, Women's League of Burma, Bangladesh Apparels Workers Federation and Bangladesh National Council of Textile Garments and Leather Workers also organised different programs marking the Day.

In Rangamati, Chairman of CHT Regional Council Joytirindra Budhipriya alias Santu Larma at a discussion said women are deprived of rights, which should be addressed properly.

CHT Mohila Samity and Hill Women Federation held separate programmes to mark women day and brought out rallies in town.

In Habiganj, the Department of Women organised a rally and discussion touching different issues of development

In Feni, a two-day women fair began yesterday on the occasion of International Women's Day. A colourful rally paraded the streets on this occasion.

In Sherpur, Atiur Rahman, MP, inaugurated the women day rally. A daylong fair was organized on this occasion.

In Dinajpur, speakers at a seminar demanded introduction of uniform family code to establish women rights.

In Manikganj, Zahid Malik Swapan, MP, atended a discussion on women day as the chief guest Three successful women were awarded on this occasion.

In Pabna, department of women affairs held a discussion and brought out a rally to mark the women day. Similar programmes were also held in Laxmipur district

ActionAid will hold programmes on March 10 at Chayanat Bhaban and Rabindra Sarobor in Dhanmondi to celebrate the day.