They also suggested for cancellation of the national women development policy 2004 that impedes progress of women.

They were speaking at an award giving ceremony titled 'Anannya Shirsha Dash (top ten) 2006' organised by Anannya, a fortnightly magazine for issues of women, at the Sufia Kamal auditorium in the National Museum in the city.

Ten outstanding women of the country were awarded with crests for their outstanding contribution in the liberation war, health, social welfare, business, art, culture and challenging profession.

The awardees are: Dr Halida Hanum Akhter, director general of Family Planning Association of Bangladesh (FPAB), freedom fighter Khurshid Jahan Begum, Rubaba Dowla Motin, head of marketing of Grameenphone, social worker Shefalika Tripura and actress Rokeya Rafik Baby.

Salma Khan, the first woman train operator of the country, was awarded as the pioneer of a new profession for women. Agriculturist Dr Nazira Quraishi, media personality Hena Kabir, German-expatriate Bangladeshi painter Murshida Arzoo Alpona and young reciter Jharna Sarker were also awarded.

Adviser for Women and Children Affairs Geeti Ara Safiya Chowdhury gave away the awards to the winners.

Speaking as special guest, Prof Dr Sadeka Halim said although Bangladesh signed almost all the international conventions relating to human and women rights, it did not take any initiative to implement them.

Addressing as chief guest Geeti Ara said the mother of a family initiates the gender discrimination process.

Male members of the family should come forward to help change the mentality, she added.

Referring to demand of cancellation of women development policy 2004, the adviser said the advisory council does not have the right to repeal any policy that is passed in the parliament.

She, however, assured that the advisory council has decided not to pass any new law in support of the policy.