Bangamata was behind success of historic 7 June hartal on 6-point demand: PM Hasina

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said Bangamata Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib had a significant contribution to the independence of the country and all achievements during the struggle for liberation.

"My mother made the 7th June hartal (a countrywide strike in 1966 in support of the historic Six-Point programme) a success. She knew how to wage movement and keep the organization united (in the absence of Bangabandhu)," she said.

The premier was addressing an event in the city's Osmani Memorial Auditorium on the occasion of the 93rd birth anniversary of Bangamata Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib.

The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs arranged the event to celebrate the birth anniversary of Bangamata and give Bangamata Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib Padak-2023.

Bangamata was gunned down along with her husband Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most members of their family during the mayhem on August 15, 1975 at their 32 Dhanmandi residence.

 Hasina said when Bangabandhu was in jail, Bangamata used to inform him about the situation of politics and his organization (the Awami League).  She also used to convey Bangabandhu's instructions to the party's leaders and workers.

"Our house was always under the surveillance of the Pakistan intelligence. My mother used to talk to leaders and conveyed them the instructions (of Bangabandhu) going to different places avoiding the watch of intelligence," she said.

In this context, the PM recalled her mother's firm stance in favour of the historic six-point demand when some leaders argued for an eight-point demand instead at that time.

Talking about the detention of Bangabandhu in the Agartala conspiracy case, PM Hasina said her mother took a firm stance for the release of all the accused through the withdrawal of the case, not accepting a proposal for the release of only Bangabandhu on parole. "What a firm morale my mother had!" she said.

She said Pakistani intelligence quizzed Bangamata as well and tried to implicate her in the case.

"My mother had an important contribution to the independence and all achievements," she said.

The premier sought blessings from all so that she could work for the people as her father's lifelong struggle was to change the fate of the people of this country.

"I've been trying to work for the people, based on what lessons I learnt from my mother and father," said Hasina.

The PM earlier handed over Bangamata Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib Padak-2023 to four distinguished women and the national women's football team for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields.

The four women are Advocate Sahara Khatun (posthumous) in politics, Anima Mukti Gomes in education, Nasima Jaman Bobi in culture and sports, and Dr Senjuti Saha in research.

In the function, Sheikh Hasina also inaugurated the distribution of sewing machines and financial donation to insolvent women throughout the country.

Some 3,000 women are receiving the donation through financial mobile banking channel on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Bangamata.

The day is being observed with the theme of Sangram theke Swadhinata, Preronay Bangamata (from struggle to liberation, Bangamata is a source of inspiration).

State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Fazilatun Nessa Indira presided over the function, while Secretary of the Ministry Nazma Mobarek delivered the welcome speech.

Dr Tania Huq, Professor at the Women and Gender Studies Department of University of Dhaka, presented the keynote speech, focusing on the glorious life of Bangamata.

At the outset of the event, an audio-visual documentary was also screened highlighting the life and works of Bangamata.

Begum Chemon Ara Tayab, Chairman of Jatiyo Mahila Sangstha, spoke on the occasion, while Sabina Khatun, captain of Bangladesh Women's Football Team, on behalf of her team shared the feelings.