Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said if BNP-Jamaat alliance comes to power they will push the count6ry’s womenfolk into the era of darkness as they do not want the progress of women.
“These evil forces have destroyed the spirit of the Liberation War in the past and now want to stop the wheel of progress by pushing our women to the era of darkness in the name of religion as they believe in ‘Tetul theory’ of Shafi Hujur (leader of Hefajat-e-Islam),” she said.
Sheikh Hasina, also the President of the ruling Awami League, said this while addressing a views-exchange meeting with leaders of Jatiya Mahila Sangstha held at her official residence Ganobhaban.
“The country’s working women will have to leave their jobs and stop their study after class IV,” she said.
“The women of the country cast their votes in favour of us last time, this time they’re awaiting the danger. BNP leaders have already accepted the ‘Tetul theory’,” she added.
Members of the Council of Directors, Executive Committee members and Chairman of the district and upazila committees attended the views-exchange meeting.
Hasina said if Awami League fails to retain power no female worker of the country will be able to work in the RMG factories and no female student will get the chance to pursue their higher education.
Recently, Hefazt-e-Islam leader Allama Shafi Hujur compared women with Tetul (Tamarind) which triggered huge criticism in the country.
In this context, Hasina described that the holy Islam teaches all to respect women and puts emphasis on women’s education like men.
Criticising the misrule of the BNP-led previous government, the Awami League chief mentioned that BNP-Jamaat alliance had established the politics of revenge and carried out killing, arson, torture on women across the country during their 2001-2006 rule.
The Prime Minister said the desired development and progress of the country would not be possible without the development and advancement of the women who constitute half of the country’s population.
Sheikh Hasina said her government has ensured the rights and development of women alongside by men.
In this regard, Hasina mentioned various initiatives of her government, including introduction of female seats in local government bodies that ensured their empowerment.
Besides, Hasina said her government for the first time in the history of Bangladesh made qualified women secretary, judges of the High Court and the Appellate Division, DCs, SPs and OCs and they are performing their responsibilities efficiently.
Referring to the role of women in the War of Liberation, Sheikh Hasina said the nation achieved the independence through their huge sacrifice as thousands of women lost their sons, husbands and honour for the country.
Awami League government always believes in the ideals of Bangabandhu who taught that Bangladesh could not reach its target of achieving socio-economic development depriving the women of the country, she said.
Following the ideals, the Prime Minister said her government emphasised bringing the women in the mainstream of development through empowering them, strengthening their financial capabilities and creating opportunities for them in this regard.
She also mentioned her government’s introduction of various allowances including widow, elderly and maternity allowances which enhanced their financial ability in the family.
Besides, Sheikh Hasina said, her government made it compulsory to mention mother’s name along with the name of the father in the birth certificate of every child that upheld the dignity of the mother.
The Prime Minister also cited various initiatives of her government for the development of the country saying over 222 thousand crore taka budget was announced for the current fiscal year that ensured development in all sectors.
She urged all to project the success stories of the present government among the common people and seek votes for Awami League for the continuation of development and progress of the nation.
State Minister for Women and Children Meher Afroz Chumki, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Ministry Fazilatunnisa Indira and President of Jatiya Mohila Sangstha Prof Momtaz Begum, among others, spoke on the occasion.
Source: UNB Connect
