DHAKA, Aug 8, 2018 (BSS) – Recalling the role of Bangamata Sheikh
Fazilatun Nesa Mujib in country’s independence, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
today said Bangamata in all critical times in different phases of the
national history helped Bangabandhu to take right decisions.
“Bangamata was a source of inspiration, strength and courage for Father of
the Nation. Like Bangabandhu, she worked with dedication for the people,
making her perfect accompaniment to shape the political thoughts of
Bangabandhu,” she said.
The prime minister said this while addressing a reminiscence meeting
organized by the women and children affairs ministry marking the 88th birth
anniversary of Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatun Nesa Mujib at city’s Bangabandhu
International Conference Center (BICC).
“My mother used to live very simple life, even when Bangabandhu was in the
office of the prime minister after liberation. But, her thinking was very
high and very prudently she dealt with everything with patience, courage and
wisdom when Bangabandhu was in jail,” she also said.
Bangamata will remain in the heart of Bangalee nation and be remembered
for her sacrifice, patriotism and love for the people, Sheikh Hasina said.
State Minister for women and children affairs Meher Afroze Chumki presided
over the function while Fazilatunnesa Indira, MP was the keynote speaker.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Women and
Children Affairs Rebeka Momen and chairman of Jatiya Mohila Sangstha Momtaj
Begum were present as special guests while secretary of the ministry Nasima
Begum gave welcome address.
A video documentary on the life and works of Bangamata was screened on the
occasion.
On this day in 1930, Begum Fazilatun Nesa, wife of Father of the Nation
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was born in a noble Muslim family at
Tungipara of Faridpur district. She was brutally assassinated along with
Bangabandhu and most of her family members on August 15, 1975.
The premier said “My mother always used to encourage Bangabandhu to do
politics for the people….never cared about her own interests. She never
thought what she would get in her personal life.”
But, the anti-liberation force killed the noble lady brutally on the
fateful night of August 15, 1975,” said Sheikh Hasina, the eldest daughter of
Bangabandhu.
“There were many crucial times in different phases of the nation’s history.
During those times, my mother helped Bangabandhu in taking right decision…
and my mother guided the party leaders and workers like a leader and guardian
as well when Bangabandhu was in jail,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina particularly mentioned the role of Bangamata in two
important events saying she (Bangamata) played a big role in persuading
Bangabandhu in delivering speech ‘as he wishes’ before millions of people on
the historic March 7, 1971.
Bangamata also played role in denying the parole of Bangabandhu granted by
Pakistani rulers to join the roundtable conference in Pakistan when movement
for six-point rose to its peak after 1968, she said.
“Independence of Bangladesh would have never come if Bangabandhu went
Pakistan in parole,” she added.
Recalling the sacrifice of Begum Mujib in her whole life for the people of
Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said, “Bangamata as a woman and a wife had no
demand in her life. She always led a simple life like the common people of
Bangladesh and taught us it.”
Bangamata was always loyal to all political decisions of Bangabandhu and
ready to face any situation amidst political repression of Pakistani juntas
throughout the political life of Bangabandhu, she also said.
The premier said Bangamata even used to serve the families of the detained
leaders in their economic hardship, children’s education and illness when
Bangabandhu was in prison.
“My mother was like a guerrilla rebel,” she said, adding that denying the
restriction of Pakistani rulers she used to come out of her home frequently
changing her attire and shoes to reach information of Bangabandhu to the
party leaders.
The prime minister said Bangabandhu wrote in details about Bangamata in
his biography published as ‘Unfinished Memoir of Bangabandhu’. From the book,
many unknown aspects of Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatun Nesa Mujib including her
mental strength, sacrifice, courage, wisdom and sufferings came to light.
Bangamata, stood beside Bangabandhu, established rehabilitation centers
for the suppressed women who were violated and tortured during the liberation
war, she added.
The prime minister urged the party leaders and workers to nourish the
ideals of Begum Fazilatun Nesa in their life to materialize her dream and
build a happy, prosperous and peaceful Bangladesh.
“Now Bangladesh has no crisis for food…. but we have to go a long way to
fulfill the dream of Bangabandhu and Bangamata,” she said.
On the occasion, speakers paid glowing tributes to Bangamata recalling her
crucial and prudent role in all the activities of Father of the Nation
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and movement for nation’s independence.
Terming Bangamata Fazilatun Nesa one of the most courageous, intelligent,
dedicated, loving and affectionate ladies in the country’s history, they said
the history would certainly remember the contribution of the highly
politically conscious and great patriotic lady along with remembering
Bangabandhu.