Staff Reporter: Questioning the rationale of the ongoing anti-quota movement, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, ‘My question is, how many of those who did the anti-quota movement before took the exam under the Public Service Commission? How many passed? That calculation needs to be figured out. They passed the dhaka exam more, let them prove first whether girls passed more jobs and got more jobs.’ He said that he does not see the rationale of the movement against the High Court’s ruling on quotas excluding education.
He said these things while exchanging greetings with leaders and workers of Jubo Mahila League at Ganobhaban on Sunday. On the occasion of Jubo Mahila League’s 22nd founding anniversary, the leaders of the organization met the Awami League president today.
Regarding the anti-quota movement, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, ‘I have seen the quota movement! The quota for our freedom fighters should be cancelled, the quota for women should be cancelled, etc. It was canceled once.’
Regarding the results of the cancellation of the quota, he said, ‘According to the Public Service Commission, where there was a quota before the examination, the amount of opportunities that the girls got, did not get the same amount of opportunities in the last few years. This is the reality. Even the people of many districts and remote areas have remained deprived. They are also not getting jobs.’
Highlighting the fact that the case was filed due to deprivation, Sheikh Hasina said, ‘The High Court gave a verdict. We always accept the judgment of the High Court. We have seen that now again an attempt is being made to build an anti-quota movement. Apart from education, the anti-quota movement, girls are also doing!
The head of government said, ‘This kind of movement against the judgment of the High Court is a pending matter. We cannot speak from the government. If the High Court gives a verdict, it should come from there. But I don’t think there is any justification for wasting study-time in the name of movement.’
Referring to the introduction of universal pension scheme for all, the Prime Minister said, ‘It was in our election manifesto (2008 elections). Only government employees get pension, rest are deprived. So that no one is deprived, universal pension has been arranged at different levels.’
Addressing the leaders and activists of Yuba Mahila League, Sheikh Hasina said, ‘Every leader and activist of Yuba Mahila League can join the universal pension scheme for their future. When people become old, unable to work, there is a guaranteed income opportunity. There is an opportunity to make a living. I have given special incentives for those at the lowest level. If they keep 500 rupees, then with another 500 rupees from the government, they should also get a good pension and get it for life.’
Addressing the party leaders and workers, Awami League President said, ‘I think those involved in our politics should be included in the universal pension scheme. Then at least there will be an assurance of life. No one has to wait in old age. A boy’s neck will not be burdened, a girl’s neck will not be burdened. You can eat it yourself.’
Mentioning that women are half of the society, the Prime Minister said, ‘If they are left behind, the society can never stand up, the country cannot progress. Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman used to say this.’
He also said about Bangabandhu’s initiative, ‘He made girls’ education free, he gave separate quota of seats for girls in parliament. A separate 10 percent quota was arranged for girls and women who had been oppressed (in the liberation war) in the field of employment, so that women could take their proper place. If women can be economically self-sufficient and if their talents are given the opportunity to develop in the field of employment, the country will develop.’
On this occasion, Jubo Mahila League President Aleya Sarwar Daisy, General Secretary Sharmin Sultana Lilly along with the organization’s Central, Dhaka Metropolitan North and South leaders and activists were present.
The government has taken steps to build the armed forces to global standards
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that her government has taken steps to develop the armed forces, the symbol of Bangladesh’s sovereignty, to more advanced and global standards.
He said, ‘Armed forces are the symbol of our sovereignty. We have already taken measures to make the armed forces built by my father more advanced and of international standards.’
He said this in his address as the chief guest at the 49th anniversary ceremony of the Presidential Guard Regiment (PGR) headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment on Sunday morning.
Referring to the formation of his government in 1996, the Prime Minister said, “I took the step of improving the armed forces built by my father to international standards and also started working in a planned manner with a special focus on the socio-economic development of Bangladesh.” .
Sheikh Hasina, when she was elected president of Awami League in 1981, recalled the context of her return to the country and mentioned here her first speech on June 7, 1981 during the celebration of the 6-point day.
“I said that day that I don’t want to hear any more widows in the armed forces,” he said. I don’t want to hear the cry of a fatherless father or a fatherless child. Since then it has been my endeavor to restore order to those who will defend our independence and sovereignty and make it more prosperous. Where there will be peace and not conflict.’
Since then there was only one attempt that the country my father had made free could never fail.
Highlighting the various steps taken by his government to build a modern and up-to-date armed forces, the Prime Minister said, I built the ‘National Defense College and War College’ in 1998 for better training of our armed forces. Military Institute of Science and Technology, Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operations Training (BIPSOT) in 1999, Amid Forces Medical College was established since then. Besides, in 2000 measures were taken to include women officers in the army, navy and air force.
He said that the armed forces of Bangladesh have earned reputation by performing their duties efficiently at the national and international level.
The Prime Minister said that over time, the Presidential Guard Regiment has emerged as a highly integrated force.
Referring to Bangabandhu’s speech on March 7, ‘No one can keep us under control’ regarding the construction of the Padma Bridge with its own funding, the Prime Minister said, ‘We have proved that Bangladesh is not afraid of anyone’s bloodshot eyes. We can do it ourselves if we want. No one can pull this country back. He said, “Bangladesh will continue with its head held high in the world court.” Not bowing down to anyone.’
He also reiterated his strong conviction to build Bangabandhu’s dream of a developed and prosperous golden Bangladesh as well as a ‘Smart Bangladesh’ with modern technology knowledge by the year 2041.
PGR Commander Brigadier General Mohammad Khaled Kamal delivered the welcome speech on the occasion. The Prime Minister handed over grants and gifts to the families of PGR members who sacrificed their lives while performing security duties.
Earlier, the Prime Minister was accorded a guard of honor when he arrived at the PGR headquarters. The Prime Minister also planted a sapling there.