Attain your rights, but don’t cause disruptions: PM Hasina to women

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has advised women to attain and exercise their rights, but not to cause disruptions to society or to families.

She made the remarks at the Begum Rokeya Day event at the Dhaka’s Bangabandhu International Conference Centre on Sunday, where she presented the Rokeya Padaks.

“We want our rights,” the prime minister said. “But I will also say that in our pursuit of rights, we should not cause family problems or disruptions.”

“Everyone has responsibilities. Responsibility to the family, responsibility to society. We must fulfil those responsibilities. We must have some form of balance. I believe balance is the most important thing.”

No one gives other people enough space, Hasina said.

“We must make the space and create opportunities and make good use of those opportunities.”

Women have created a place for themselves amid the country’s development and are playing important roles in all fields, she said.

In her speech the prime minister highlighted the contributions of her mother, Fazilatunnesa Mujib to the Liberation War.

“The Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman fought for our country’s independence and my mother Fazilatunnesa Mujib bravely stood beside him throughout that journey. I know the great sacrifices she made in life. So today I am reminded of her constantly.”

“My father was often in jail. In addition to raising my brothers and sisters and I, my mother cared for any of our friends, family or members of the party who fell ill. She supported the families of everyone who was put in jail. She also held the party together, built a movement and fought the legal case for my father. She handled case after case.”

Photo: PID

“Sometimes I wonder how she managed to do so much,” Sheikh Hasina said. “She was a fitting companion to my father’s political life. One who always stood beside him and provided motivation. I never heard my mother speak of difficulty or want. She always said you should go on with your work. You do not need to worry about household affairs.”

“It is this motivation that has helped us to stand proud as a free people. That famous Mar 7 speech. Many people suggested many things. But only my mother told him to speak from the heart instead of listening to others.”

“Without financial independence women do not have a proper place in society or government. This is the reality of the situation. That is why the government has created opportunities for women in work and various other fields.”

She also paid tribute to Begum Rokeya.

“Begum Rokeya showed us the way to the gains women have made in society. There was a dark age when girls were barred from getting an education. Begum Rokeya broke that barrier. She learned to read and write and received support from her husband. We have not allowed that dream to go to waste and will not do so.”