Bangladesh
Gaza Ceasefire Prime Minister Hasina calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza
Own Correspondent, Dhaka, 7 November 2023: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the illegal occupation of the territory.
She said, "I call on all parties to guarantee humanitarian aid and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. I call on world leaders to play a role in ending this terrible war, indiscriminate killings and illegal occupation."
She made this call while delivering a speech as an honored guest at the opening session of the International Conference on "Women's Dignity and Empowerment in Islam" in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
Sheikh Hasina said, "We must remain united for an independent and sovereign Palestinian state. I will continue my role on behalf of our Palestinian brothers and sisters."
The Prime Minister said that they should listen to the voice of Muslim women for peace. He said, "We condemn the Israeli brutality against innocent women and children in Gaza. This brutality in Gaza is reminiscent of the 200,000 women who were subjected to inhuman torture during our liberation war in 1971."
The prime minister also said, "These brutal incidents remind me of the brutal killing of my parents and other family members including women and children on August 15, 1975."
"It paints a picture of the torture of thousands of persecuted Rohingya women and children in Myanmar - who sought refuge at our border in August 2017 after suffering atrocities," she said.
The Prime Minister gave a bunch of advice for Muslim women. The suggestions are:
First, an immediate end to the conflict in Palestine and the prosecution of crimes against humanity committed there - particularly against women and children.
Second, say no to all crime, violence, discrimination and growing Islamophobia against women.
Third, focus on achieving gender equality and empowering women to achieve SDG-5.
Fourth, ensure that Muslim women can freely present themselves in public as they wish.
Fifth, Bangladesh is a shining example of women's empowerment and mainstreaming, and is ready to share its experiences with friendly Muslim countries.
The Prime Minister said that the OIC is a platform where dialogue is expected on these much awaited issues.
