Bangladeshi student leader Umama Fatema rejects U.S. award over Palestine stance
Dhaka: Umama Fatema, a key student leader in the movement that led to the removal of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has declined the prestigious U.S. International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award in protest against Washington’s support for Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The award ceremony, scheduled for April 1, 2025, will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and First Lady Melania Trump. Fatema, along with fellow activists, had been selected for the "Madeleine Albright Honorary Group Award" for their role in Bangladesh’s July 2024 uprising.
However, Fatema criticised the award’s past endorsement of Israeli actions, stating that accepting it would contradict the Palestinian struggle for justice. In a statement on social media, she wrote:
"This collective recognition of women activists is an immense honor for us. However, in October 2023, this same award was used to directly endorse Israel’s brutal attacks on Palestine. By denying the Palestinian liberation struggle, the award has justified Israel’s aggression in a manner that calls its impartiality into question. The Palestinian people have long been deprived of their fundamental human rights, including their right to land. Therefore, out of respect for the Palestinian freedom struggle, I personally reject this award."
She concluded her statement with the slogan: "From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be Free."
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Shivakumar opposes ‘One Nation One Election’, calls it ‘unworkable’
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday strongly opposed the central government’s proposed ‘One Nation One Election’ initiative.
Shivakumar expressed his views at a dialogue on ‘One Nation One Election’ organised by the Joint Parliamentary Study Committee.
He said the plan is a politically motivated, power-centralising scheme that would seriously damage India’s federal structure by weakening states and poses a threat to the democratic system, according to a statement from his office.
As KPCC president and deputy CM of Karnataka, he categorically rejected the proposal, stating that it is being crafted to suit the convenience of those in power at the Centre.
Shivakumar said that the Karnataka Legislative Assembly had already passed a resolution opposing ‘One Nation One Election’ and read out the resolution at the meeting.
He firmly stated that it is “not a workable plan” and added that it is “practically impossible.”
“If a government falls midterm due to political instability, a no-confidence motion, or loss of majority, what is the solution?” he asked.
“Elections are held at different times in different states for different terms. Karnataka had its election in 2023, while Tamil Nadu and Kerala had theirs in 2021, and Punjab and Telangana in 2022 and 2023, respectively. How can these elections with varying schedules be synchronised?” he asked.
He added that the proposal is a ploy to suppress the voices of regional and Opposition parties.
He also said the Karnataka government does not agree with the proposal and remains committed to the position of the Congress party’s national leadership.
