She made the remarks when newly elected member of the Convention on Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) Committee Ferdous Ara Begum made a courtesy call on her at the PMO.

The Bangladesh candidate, Ferdous Ara, grabbed the first position bagging the ever-highest 140 votes. Twelve countries were elected members of the CEDAW committee out of 23 countries in the race for election held in the UN Headquarters in New York on June 23. A total of 183 member countries cast their vote.

Other elected members are Japan (131) Mauritius (128), Slovenia (116) the Netherlands (116), Croatia (112), Algeria (110), Egypt (105), Thailand (100) Ghana (97), Israel (96) and South Africa (94).

Congratulating Ferodus Ara on her election, Khaleda said the country would have to do more for the welfare and improving the lot of the womenfolk.

"Those women personalities who remain in various good positions here can play an important role in improving the fate of those women lagging behind," the PM said.

Ferdous Ara, a former DG of BTV and ex-joint secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, expressed her gratitude to the prime minister for nominating her for CEDAW-committee member.

She said Bangladesh has been elected following multifaceted progress and action of the government under the leadership of Khaleda in women's affairs, including women's education, empowerment and employment, as well as bold steps and measures against women repression, including dowry, acid throwing and women trafficking.

"These steps and achievement have created a positive impression in external world about Bangladesh," the UN CEDAW member said.