Staff Reporter :
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep regret and condemnation over the anti-quota protesters’ use of the slogan “Who are you? Who am I? Razakar in government job sectors.
Addressing the issue during the signing ceremony of annual performance agreements (APAs) for the fiscal year 2024–25 at her office, the Prime Minister labelled the slogan “very regrettable.”
She criticised the protesters for their apparent lack of awareness and respect for the historical atrocities committed by the Razakar Bahini during the Liberation War of 1971. ”
They don’t feel ashamed to call themselves Razakars,” Hasina stated, emphasising the historical ignorance displayed by the protesters.
She explained that these individuals were likely unaware of the brutalities inflicted by the Pakistani occupation forces and the Razakar Bahini, including torture and mass killings.
“Our only target is to establish the spirit of the Liberation War,” she asserted, highlighting the immense sacrifices made by the martyrs and the suffering endured by countless mothers and sisters.
“Lakhs of martyrs shed blood, and lakhs of our mothers and sisters were violated. We won’t forget their contribution. We have to keep it in mind.”
The Prime Minister reiterated her government’s commitment to bringing war criminals to justice.
She pointed out that legal actions had been taken against those involved in mass killings, looting, and the violation of women, as well as those who formed the Razakar Bahini and the Peace Committee and supplied them with firearms.
“Many of them were hanged following the trials, and thus the repressed people got justice,” she said. Hasina expressed particular dismay over female protesters adopting the Razakar slogan, recalling the brutalities inflicted on women during the Liberation War. “I felt sorry when I heard yesterday the students of Ruqayyah Hall calling themselves Razakars,” she said.
“Do they know what took place there on March 25, 1971? Some 300 girls were killed, and 40 girls were raped and taken to Pakistani camps.” Reflecting on the horrors of 1971, she suggested that the young protesters were unaware of the atrocities that occurred on the streets during that time. “So, they don’t feel ashamed of calling themselves Razakars,” she added.
The Prime Minister questioned the current values and lessons being imparted to the youth. “What country are we in? What spirit do they believe in? What lesson did they learn? What did they learn? It is my question,” she said, emphasising the pride and significance of the Liberation War.
She concluded by criticising the administrations that followed the assassination of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in 1975.
“They, who were in power for 21 years after the assassination and afterwards for eight years, what did they give the country?” she asked. “They didn’t give anything.” In contrast, she praised the achievements of the Awami League, which has been in power for the past 15 years.
“Bangladesh has changed in the last 15 years. Bangladesh has reached a dignified position on the global stage,” she added, calling upon all citizens to contribute to the nation’s continued progress.
“Let’s take the country ahead. Bangladesh will move ahead. We will move around the world keeping our heads high, being a victorious nation through the Liberation War,” she concluded.