Bangladesh
Peace Stop arms race: Prime Minister Hasina tells world leaders
Own Correspondent, Dhaka, 19 October 2023: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called on the world leaders to stop war and arms race and spend the money for making weapons for the development of the world. She said this at the opening ceremony of 'Sheikh Russel and Smart Bangladesh Medal and Sheikh Russel Day 2023' at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center on Wednesday, October 18.
The Prime Minister said, "One war after another in the world today. Russia-Ukraine war. Now Israel is attacking Palestine again. Children have been killed on both sides. Yesterday I saw an attack on a hospital. Children died there too. I will tell the world leaders to stop this war. Stop the arms race. War does not bring welfare to people. Women and children are the worst victims of these wars. We know that. Children lose parents, parents lose children in war. We saw this horror in 1971 and 1975. Today we have Tapas here, who lost his parents in childhood."
She said, "We want the money to be used for the development of the world. We don't want war, because war destroys. We want peace."
Sheikh Hasina said, "I want no one else to die like my little Russel."
The prime minister also recited poet Sukanta's poem. She said, "This organisation is with children and teenagers to make children as suitable citizens of a free country. The goal of this organisation is to look at all people regardless of religion and caste and to advance the autistic."
Reminiscing about her house arrest in 1971, the Chief Minister said, "In 1971, when we were prisoners, they once tried to come in and attack us. A small wire saved us. The officer fell down on a hanging wire, later he came back. Later Colonel Ashok came. It was the 18th."
She said, "Young children learn quickly. Us old people may be late." At this time, the Prime Minister remembered her grandson and said that these children of ours will be the skilled soldiers of the future smart Bangladesh.
The Prime Minister unveiled the cover of the book 'Smoroner Aborone Sheikh Russel' at the event. A video message by Indian Army Colonel (Retd) Ashok Kumar Tara on Russel's memory was also screened at the event.
