Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday urged the women of the country to hate the war criminals forever.
She made the urge while distributing Roquia Padak 2013 at a programme held in the capital’s Osmani Memorial Hall in the afternoon, reports BSS.
Meanwhile, she asked them to unite against the evil forces that seek to hinder women’s progress and emancipation.
The prime minister said: “We have to always sustain our hatred towards the war criminals responsible for rape, torture and violence on women, and their supporters.”
Paying tribute to Begum Roquia, she said: “Begum Roquia has accomplished tremendous goals to liberate women from the shackles of social malaises.”
“We would not have had the opportunities in society today, had Begum Roquia not been born,” she added.
Talking about women’s role in independence and development, the prime minister said, “We would not have earned many of our national achievements without the immense sacrifices of the women.”
“We are liberated now, but we should remember that our sisters and mothers suffered immensely in the hands of the occupation forces and their local collaborators during our war for independence,” she said.
“So, we have to always hate the war criminals and their supporters who put forth our sisters and our mothers to the hands of the occupation force, committed genocide and destroyed our villages in 1971," she said.
Two distinguish ladies -- Jharna Dhara Chowdhury and Professor Hamida Banu -- were conferred the Roquia Padak 2013 for their outstanding contributions to the cause of women in society.
Award recipient Professor Hamida Banu, Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Tariqul Islam, spoke among others on the occasion, while chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on the ministry of children and women affairs Fazilatunnesa Indira was at the chair.
The prime minister sought support of all, particularly the women to complete the process for the trial of the war criminals initiated by her government.