Working to ensure justice, rights for all
PM tells doa mahfil marking national mourning day
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the killers of the Father of the Nation were awarded by the then governments through lucrative postings.
"I want to make changes to that system. We are always alert so that people of the country can stay safe, live a beautiful life, and justice is established where all people will enjoy their rights," she said.
Hasina was addressing a Milad and Doa Mahfil, held at the Social Services Department, from the Gono Bhaban through videoconferencing.
The department organised the porgramme marking the National Mourning Day today.
The PM recalled that seeking justice for the killing of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was barred through enacting the infamous indemnity ordinance.
She said some derailed junior officers, along with some high-ranking army personnel, were involved in the August 15, 1975 massacre that left the Father of the Nation and most of his family members dead.
Hasina said Bangabandhu's military secretary Colonel Jamil Uddin Ahmad was a member of the army and her brother Lieutenant Sheikh Jamal was a serving officer of the army. Both were killed brutally.
She mentioned that her younger brother Sheikh Russell was only 10 years old at that time. His dream was to join the army.
"But the cruelty of the fate is he [Russell] was killed brutally by army members. What was his guilt? I'm still looking for the answer."
Elaborating the August 15 killing, the PM said the greatest Bangalee of all times Bangabandhu, Bangamata Fazilatunnesa, and most of their family members were killed.
Hasina said her younger sister and she herself could not file a case against the killers and even could not demand justice.
'MATERIALISING BANGABANDHU'S DREAMS'
The premier pledged to stay beside those, including orphans and distressed children, who are left behind to make sure their life is meaningful.
She called upon all concerned to work with honesty, dedication, and integrity to this end.
She said the government was working round the clock for the welfare of the people of all sections to materialise the dreams of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The PM also urged all to stand beside the people like orphans, elderly citizens, autistic and especially abled persons as well as beside those who are still left behind.
Describing the steps taken by her government for the welfare of the orphans, she said various training and vocational education programmes have been taken up so that they can stand on their own feet.
She clarified that orphans should not think like they do not have parents or guardians, rather the government stands by them to ensure their better livelihood.
In this regard, Hasina mentioned about the previously introduced "Shanti Nibash" for the aged people, saying this project would be reintroduced in future.
Social Welfare Minister Nuruzzaman Ahmed also spoke on the occasion. State Minister for Social Welfare Ashraf Ali Khan and senior officials of the social welfare ministry and its various departments were present.
Ahead of the National Mourning Day today, a special munajat was offered seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of Bangabandhu and his other family members.