Malala's historic speech at the UN

MALALA Yousafzai gave an inspiring speech at the UN on July 12, coinciding with her 16th birthday. The day has been declared by the UN as "Malala Day." It may be recalled that she was shot by a Taliban gunman while she was returning home in a school bus last October. In her first public speech since her miraculous recovery, she said that she would not be silenced by terrorists.
"The terrorists thought that they would change my aims and stop my ambitions, but nothing changed in my life, except this: weakness, fear and hopelessness died. Strength, power and courage were born," Malala said. This is a unique example to show how an attempt on one's life can strengthen one's determination.
Surprisingly, she had no harsh words or hatred for the Taliban gunman. She said,: "I want education for the sons and daughters of the Taliban and all the terrorists and extremists. I do not even hate the Taliban who shot me. Even if there is a gun in my hand and he stands in front of me I would not shoot him." This is a rare example of forgiveness.
Herself a devoted student, Malala wants education for all children. She said: "The extremists were, and they are afraid of books and pens, the power of education. The power of education silenced them ... Let us pick up our books and pens. They are our most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one pen and one book can change the world. Education is the only solution."
In another speech on the following day, Malala reiterated that the Taliban were among "people who think that when a woman goes to school she will be empowered, and they are afraid of it." Yes, Taliban terrorists are afraid of books and pens in the hands of women. They are not alone. While Malala was delivering her historic speech for educating women at the United Nations, we were getting sermons not to educate our women but to keep them confined within the four walls. Whether one uses the power of the barrel or that of the speech, the intention remains the same: Keep women subjugated.
Let Malala's speech at the UN inspire more children to enroll into schools, no matter what the clerics may preach at home. Bangladesh has made a remarkable progress in women's education and empowerment. It is time to move ahead.

The writer is a former Chief Engineer of Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission.