Strongly condemning the Israeli attack on Gaza, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday questioned the international communities and human rights organisations on why they remained silent while hundreds of innocent Palestinians were being killed.
“Today, hundreds of children and women, including expecting mothers, are being killed in Palestine, yet how does the global conscience remain silent? I am astonished to see them remain quiet. When one incident of death occurs here (Bangladesh), we receive numerous letters from so many congressmen with protests and criticisms,” she said while addressing a programme organised to mark the 84th birth anniversary of Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.
Pointing a finger at the country’s human rights organisations, she said these organizations run to the hill tracts, islands, and everywhere whenever a trivial incident occurs.
“Where are they now? Why have their voices gone missing?” she asked.
She also urged party activists, especially women fronts and other women organisations of the country, to strongly raise their voice against the killing of women and children.
“Whenever there is an incident anywhere in the world, I request you to raise your voice… although these incidents are not taking place here in Bangladesh, it does not indicate that we are safe,” she said.
Describing the role of Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib behind Bangabandhu and also the Awami League, Hasina said: “In absence of Bangabandu, Begum Fazilatunnessa Mujib had made important decisions for the best interest of Awami League, as well as for the country, at many a crucial time.”
“My mother always worked with my father like a shadow,” she added.
Chaired by State Minister for Women and Child Affairs Minister Meher Afroz Chumki, the programme was addressed, among others, by Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique, Jatiya Mahila Sangstha Chairman Prof Momtaj Begum and Bangladesh Shishu Academy Chairperson Selina Hossain.
Earlier, a documentary on Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib was also displayed at the programme.