DHAKA – 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.
