Dhaka, Mar 8 (UNB)- Opposition leader Khaleda Zia on Monday regretted that International Women Day is being observed at a time when 20 percent women of the country have been subjected to repression by the ruling party during the last 13 months.

"The present government talks tall about women empowerment. But 20 perecnt women were repressed in the country in last 13 months. It is unfortunate," Khaleda told a function on the occasion of International Women Day.

BNP organized 'word-exchange' programme with women of different professions at the city's Lakeshore Hotel in the afternoon to mark the 100 years of the International Women Day today.

In her brief speech at the function Khaleda said the ruling party's different fronts including Chhatra League and Jubo Legaue are involved in the women repression. The government has no control over them.

She alleged the government is busy more with dishing out falsehood and changing names of institutions than doing any good to the people. She asked the government to implement its election pledges.

The BNP chief talked to and exchanged pleasantries with women of different professions. Lady representatives from some foreign missions in Dhaka present at the function also exchanged enquired about the political and economic situation prevailing in the country.

The function was followed by a cultural function.