In her first public remarks since leaving Dhaka, ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called for accountability and justice for recent violence and vandalism in Bangladesh. In a poignant three-page statement posted on X by her son, Hasina condemned the rioting that has swept the nation and demanded punishment for those responsible for the recent desecration of the statue of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Founding Father of Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina’s statement reflects on the personal loss she suffered when her father was assassinated on August 15, 1975. On that night, Mujibur Rahman’s sons, their wives, his brother’s family, and close associates were killed by army forces as part of a coup.
প্রিয় দেশবাসী
আসসালামুয়ালাইকুম
ভাই ও বোনেরা, ১৯৭৫ সালে ১৫ই আগস্ট বাংলাদেশের রাষ্ট্রপতি জাতির পিতা বঙ্গবন্ধু শেখ মুজিবুর রহমানকে নির্মমভাবে হত্যা করে। তাঁর প্রতি গভীর শ্রদ্ধা জানাই। একই সাথে আমার মা বেগম ফজিলাতুন্নেসা, আমার তিন ভাই মুক্তিযোদ্ধা ক্যাপ্টেন শেখ কামাল,…— Sajeeb Wazed (@sajeebwazed) August 13, 2024
Turning to the current situation, Sheikh Hasina lamented the recent surge in violence, noting the widespread destruction and loss of life among “students, teachers, police, journalists, social workers, common people, leaders and workers of the Awami League, pedestrians, and office workers.” She expressed deep sympathy for those who have lost loved ones, drawing a parallel to her own personal tragedy.
In her statement, she called for thorough investigations into the riots and vandalism, demanding that those responsible be identified and given appropriate punishment.
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“For those who have lost their loved ones like me, I extend my deepest sympathy. And for those involved in this slaughter and destruction, I demand that investigations be held and they be caught and given appropriate punishment,” the rough translation of her statement reads.
The call for justice comes amidst a turbulent period in Bangladesh, marked by significant political and social unrest.
Translation of what Sajeeb Wazed posted on X
Dear countrymen
Assalamualaikum
Brothers and sisters, on August 15, 1975, the President of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was brutally assassinated. I have deep respect for him. At the same time my mother Begum Fazilatunnessa, my three brothers freedom fighter Captain Sheikh Kamal, freedom fighter Lieutenant Sheikh Jamal, Kamal and Jamal’s newlywed bride Sultana Kamal and Rozi Jamal, my younger brother who was only 10 years old brutally killed Sheikh Russell. My only uncle freedom fighter paralyzed Sheikh Nasser, President’s Military Secretary Brigadier Jamil Uddin, police officer Siddiqur Rahman brutally killed. Salute to freedom fighter Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni and his pregnant wife Arju Moni, Agriculture Minister Freedom Fighter Abdur Rab Sarniabad, his 10 year old son Arif 13 Year-old daughter Baby, 4-year-old grandson Sukanth, brother’s son freedom fighter journalist Shaheed Sarniabad, nephew Rentu and many others were brutally killed. May the souls of all those who martyred on 15th August be blessed and pay my respects to the martyrs.
Since last July, many fresh lives have been lost due to vandalism, arson and violence in the name of agitation. Students, teachers, police even internal women police, journalists, cultural workers, working people, Awami League and affiliated organization leaders, workers, pedestrians and workers in various institutions who have died as a victim of terrorist attack, I am condoling and praying for their souls.
My condolences to those like me who are living with the pain of losing a loved one. I demand that those involved in these killings and vandalism be properly investigated and the culprits be identified and punished accordingly.
Dear Countrymen,
We two sisters dedicated the house that bears the memory of the infernal killings that took place at Dhanmondi Bangabandhu Bhavan on August 15, 1975 to the people of Bengal. A memorial museum was built. Starting from the common people of the country, dignitaries of the country and abroad have come to this house. This museum is a memorial of freedom. It is very sad that we are serving you, dear countrymen, with the aim of putting smiles on the faces of the suffering people of Bangladesh, keeping the memory of the loss of our loved ones in our hearts. You have also started getting its auspicious results. Bangladesh has occupied the status of developing country in the world. Today it is dusty. And the memory that was the basis of our survival has been burnt to ashes. The Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, under whose leadership we have gained self-esteem as an independent nation, got self-identity and got an independent country, has been grossly insulted. They insulted the blood of millions of martyrs. I want justice from the countrymen.
Dear Countrymen,
I appeal to you to observe the National Day of Mourning on 15th August with due dignity and solemnity. Pray for the salvation of all souls by offering floral garlands and praying at Bangabandhu Bhavan.
May Allah Almighty bless the people of Bangladesh. Khuda Hafiz.
Joy Bangla Joy Bangabandhu.
Sheikh Hasina
