Why intl orgs remain silent about Israeli attacks on Palestine, asks PM Hasina
Describing attacks on Palestine by the forces of Israel as “inhuman”, prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday questioned why international organisations have remained silent on this issue.
“The incidents which have taken place in Palestine are truly inhuman. Crying of the little children, their helplessness and moving around after losing their parents can’t be tolerated anymore -- those who are talking about humanity have now remained silent. Many international organisations aren’t talking about the matter. My question is why?” she said.
She said this while taking part in the discussion on the obituary reference in parliament on the deaths of two sitting lawmakers -– Abdul Matin Khashru from Cumilla-5 and Aslamul Haque of Dhaka-14 constituencies, 11 former lawmakers and some noted personalities.
The prime minister simultaneously vowed to stand beside Palestine as it did in the past, saying, “We are always with the Palestinian brothers. We are now giving all sorts of support to Palestine like the past and we will definitely do it (in the coming days).”
Sheikh Hasina, also Leader of the House, denounced the repeated attacks on Palestine by the Israel forces and prayed for salvation of the departed souls of those killed in the heinous attacks.
Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury moved the condolence motion in the House in the beginning of the 13th session (Budget Session) of the 11th Parliament.
As per the tradition, the day’s business of parliament was adjourned till 3:00 pm Thursday upon adoption of the condolence motion unanimously following the deaths of sitting Awami League lawmakers Abdul Matin Khasru, who died on 14 April and Aslamul Haque, died on 4 April, to show respect to them.
A one-minute silence was observed in respect to the memory of the deceased while state minister for religious affairs Faridul Haque Khan offered a munajat (prayer) seeking salvation of the departed souls.
The House also expressed deep shock at the death of former minister Mahbubur Rahman (Noakhali-3) and 11 ex-MPs - Sarah Begum Kabori (Narayanganj-4), Meraj Uddin Mollah (Rajshahi-3), Gazi MM Amjad Hossain (Sirajganj-3), Khandakar Abdul Malek Shahidullah (former Ganoparishad member, 1970), Abul Hashem (former Ganoparishad member, 1970), Mohammad Yunus (Cumilla-5), Ziaur Rahman Khan (Dhaka-13), Abdul Bari Sardar (Pabna-4), Dildar Hossain Selim (Sylhet-4), Abdur Rauf Khan (Manikganj-2) and Farida Rahman (9th Parliament, Women Seat-17).
AL lawmakers, law, justice and parliamentary affairs minister Aniul Huq, home minister Asaduzzaman Khan, railways minister Nurul Islam Sujan, Ali Ashraf, Mujibul Haque, advocate Quamrul Islam, AKM Rahmatullah, and Sadek Khan, took part in the discussion.
Jatiya Party lawmakers, deputy opposition Leader, GM Quader, chief whip of the Opposition in parliament, Mashiur Rahman Ranga, Kazi Firoz Rashid and barrister Anisur Rahman, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JASAD) lawmaker Hasanul Haq Inu and BNP lawmaker Harunur Rashid also spoke on the obituary reference.
Sheikh Hasina asked all the lawmakers and people to follow health guidelines accordingly that included wearing facemasks to stay protected from the Coronavirus.
The prime minister further said her government has been taking all required measures to check further spread of the Covid-19 as it is now being seen again in the border districts. She said that the government has been trying to somehow control the second wave of the Coronavirus.
Recalling the contribution of Abdul Matin Khasru to the establishment of rights of getting justice in the case of assassinating Father of the Nation Bangabandu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with most of his family members, she thanked all concerned who worked hard to move the case before the court.
In this connection, she said, “I always found power in him (Abdul Matin Khasru). It was not so easy to run the case. There were many hurdles. Despite the fact he (Khasru) worked hard round the clock which I always remember.”
About Aslamul Haque, Sheikh Hasina, also president of the ruling Awami League, said that Aslam was a devoted activist of the party and played an active role in everything.
He had affection towards the commoners and passion for the development of his constituency for which he was elected time and again.
The prime minister also recalled the memory of Bangla Academy’s chairman and former director general (DG) professor Shamsuzzaman Khan and its DG poet Habibullah Sirajee with due respect.