PM Regrets Not Having Female Chief Justice

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that she wanted to see a woman head Bangladesh’s judiciary but it has not been possible due to conservatism.

“I told the law minister that if the name of a woman judge was not in the High Court, then I would never sign the file and send it to the president. I have another regret. I wanted to make a woman Chief Justice,” she said at the Begum Rokeya Padak-2023 distribution ceremony at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital on Saturday (Dec 9).

“I was considering Nazmun Ara Sultana for the role but our conservatism is so high that it takes time to shatter it. As a result, I could not appoint a woman Chief Justice back then.”

Sheikh Hasina said the most powerful country has never had a woman president. “She contested and lost,” she said, referring to Hillary Clinton.

“I am the only woman head of government in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). I am the 'only sister' among many 'brothers' there.”

Hasina recalled how Begum Rokeya moved forward braving all obstacles. “I always remember her brave role,” she said. 

Noting that the women of Bangladesh are no longer left behind, the prime minister said the government is working on women's awakening and women's empowerment. Bangladesh has been able to fulfil the expectations of Begum Rokeya.

Now no one can hold women back in the name of Islam, she said.

Remembering her mother, Hasina said, “My mother always stood by my father in his struggle for independence. She did it all, from managing the family and organising the party to leading the movement.”