Bangamata opened the door of nation's independence: HPM Sheikh Hasina

"Her (Fazilatun Nesa) farsightedness has really opened the door of our independence as Bangladesh would never have been liberated if Bangabandhu was freed in parole, and it's the reality," she said.

"I have always seen steadfast stance of my mother in every movement including the non-cooperation against the rulers," she added.

The Prime Minister said this while addressing a discussion organized by Ministry of Women and Children Affairs marking 86th birth anniversary of Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatun Nesa at Osmani Memorial Hall here on Monday.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangabandhu was in jail for six months without any information about his whereabouts after filing the Agartala Conspiracy Case. After six months, he was taken to the court and at that time Pakistani rulers tried to pursue Begum Mujib to free him in parole to take part in the negotiation meeting with Ayub Khan.

The rulers and many senior party leaders warned Begum Mujib that Bangabandhu might be hanged to death in Agartala Conspiracy Case if she denied to accept their conditions for negotiation. But Begum Mujib rejected the offer considering the fate of other 34 accused persons of the case saying that Bangabandhu could take part in the negotiation only as a free man, not in parole, she pointed out.

"My mother was confident that Pakistani ruler would not be able to do any harm to Bangabandhu," Sheikh Hasina, eldest daughter of Bangabandhu, said adding that as a result Ayub Khan was compelled to withdraw the case and free Bangabandhu.

Pointing out the role of Begum Mujib in convincing Bangabandhu before the historic speech at Suharawardi Uddyan on March 7, 1971, Sheikh Hasina said her (Fazilatun Nesa) advice also guided Bangabandhu to deliver the momentous speech keeping him out of the influence of others, rather speak before rousing audience what he thought well.

"The advice of Begum Mujib could make it possible to deliver an epoch-making speech before the thunderous audience by Bangabandhu," she said.

State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Meher Afroz Chumki presided over the function while noted litterateur and chairman of Bangladesh Shishu Academy Selina Hossain, chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee Rebeka Momen and chairperson of Jatiya Mohila Sangstha Momtaz Begum took part in the discussion.

Secretary of the Women and Children Affairs Ministry Nasima Begum gave welcome address. A documentary on the life and works of Bangamata was played on the occasion.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also pointed out unwavering views of Begum Muiib for six-point demand saying due to her unequivocal stance, the Awami League Working Committee and a special council adopted the resolution accepting the charter of the Bengali's freedom when Bangabandhu was in jail.

"Many party leaders had felt trouble and showed their annoyance as they pursued for adoption of an eight-point resolution, dampening the spirit of the six-point demand. But I have seen unbending attitude in my mother at that time who had never been deviated from the instruction of Bangabandhu," she said.

As the eldest daughter she had the opportunity to share many things with her mother, and she has seen very inflexible approach as far as the issue of independence is concerned, Sheikh Hasina said.

The prime minister said she had never seen her mother to be worried in any difficult situation. She managed everything in most patience and austerity, and even during financial hardship she sold out many household things and appliances to feed their children and party workers, she added.

Sheikh Hasina said all times when Bangabandhu had been in jail, Bangamata Fazilatunnesa had played her role very efficiently from behind the scene for organizing the party, creating public opinion for Mujib's political programme and taking forward the movements, though she never wanted any publicity for this.

The prime minister said Bangamata Fazilatun Nesa, who has sacrificed in her whole life for the people, would remain as an example amongst womenfolk as an inspiring figure and dedicated lady for the cause of the nation.

"Bangabandhu could face so much sacrifice as he had got immense support from my grandparents as well as his spouse," Sheikh Hasina said adding that she has learned many things about politics, society and family from the great lady.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangamata as a woman and wife had no demand in her life and she led a very simple life.

As a helping hand, Bangamata, used to serve the families of the other party leaders in their economic hardship, children's education and even in their illness when Bangabandhu was in prison.

In absence of Bangabandhu, she (Begum Mujib) had maintained communication with the party leaders and workers despite she was under close vigilance of the intelligence. In the cases of helping the party leaders and workers, Bangamata could never say 'no' to anybody, she said.

In this regard prime minister pointed out the difficult times of her family when Bangabandhu was implicated in dozens of cases, he was sent to jail and his family was forced to leave the residence in a 14-day notice in 1954.

"My mother's strong mentality, sense of dignity and self-respect were great lessons for us," she said adding that Begum Mujib was not aspired for any lavish life even when Bangabandhu was a minister.

Urging everybody to follow the ideals of Fazilatun Nesa Mujib, the prime minister said Bangabandhu's lifelong goal was to achieve the freedom of the people of Bangladesh and their economic emancipation. "My mother's inspiration had played a catalytic role to implement the ideology of Bangabandhu," she said.